Let's Get Cultural!

Dublin City Council has launched details of the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter - a new Cultural District for Dublin City

New City Library to form centrepiece of Parnell Square Cultural Quarter development.

Kennedy Wilson, acting on a philanthropic basis, to provide seed capital of € 2.5M and to lead remainder of fundraising.

Lord Mayor calls for public participation in Parnell Square Cultural Quarter planning process / discussion.

Dublin City Manager John Tierney said: ‘’ this project represents a powerful opportunity and catalyst for the redevelopment of this part of Northside Dublin. Dublin City Council is looking forward to working in partnership with Kennedy Wilson and with all the other stakeholders in bringing this major project to fruition.’’

Peter Collins, managing director, Kennedy Wilson Europe said: “Parnell Square has a long association with philanthropy; the Rotunda Maternity Hospital, Britain and Ireland’s first public maternity hospital, built by Dr. Bartholomew Mosse in the 18th century was financed by private donations. Kennedy Wilson is proud to continue this philanthropic heritage through our involvement with this visionary development for Dublin city. As a company we are committed to supporting public projects in the cities in which we are based, that will have a genuine positive impact on the residents of those cities. In addition to providing the seed capital for the project, Kennedy Wilson will be leading the further fund raising effort to secure the finances to deliver this exciting initiative and to help manage the project throughout its development. Kennedy Wilson is committed to providing a lasting legacy for the people of Dublin, and we are delighted to be partnering with the City in the creation of a new cultural district for Dublin City.”

Dublin City Architect, Ali Grehan said: “The Parnell Square Cultural Quarter will be at the heart of the cultural life of the capital, connecting and consolidating the Civic Spine which is a cornerstone of city development policy.

The Parnell Square Cultural Quarter project will see the development of a new city library on the site of Colaiste Mhuire, the re-development of the former Colaiste Mhuire buildings to form the entrance to the new City library and the provision of public rooms for a variety of cultural uses - from music, media, craft and design. 20-21 Parnell Square will also form part of the cultural complex and a pedestrian plaza at the north end of Parnell Square will create new public events space in front of the cultural buildings.

The public is being encouraged to participate in the consultation process around the Parnell Square Cultural Quarter. A series of public meetings and workshops are being planned to help develop a shared understanding of the expectations and needs of all stakeholders; from individuals, community groups, and public representatives to cultural promoters, educational institutions and businesses. These meetings will take place in tandem with the commissioning of the design and will inform the final design brief.