Construction BUSINESS

Global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson has announced the launch of its newest Dublin campus development – Coopers Cross. Kennedy Wilson has submitted planning for the office element of Coopers Cross, designed by leading Irish architects, Henry J Lyons, to provide over 390,000 sq ft NIA (net internal area) of Grade A office space across two buildings with basement, lower ground and up to six stories above ground level

The buildings have been designed for maximum efficiency and flexibility with bright, open floorplates and will target the highest certification and sustainability standards, including NZEB, LEED Platinum, BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum. The buildings will house 800 cycling spaces, further enhancing its green credentials.

A significant focus has been placed on public realm within the scheme, which will see the connection of the commercial space with the residential development via one acre of extensive landscaping and the largest outdoor public park in the North Docks. A generous public square and accessible multi-functional Town Hall space will connect the office and retail through a stepped street to provide a further public amenity for local residents, office occupiers and visitors to the campus.

Peter Collins, President of Kennedy Wilson, said: “Kennedy Wilson, as a developer and long-term owner, is excited to bring this new visionary mixed-use campus, extending to almost six acres in the heart of the North Docks, focused on further extending our portfolio of sustainable developments. The North Docks is fast-becoming a destination of choice for Irish and multi-national companies seeking modern, flexible floorplates within close proximity of public transport, the Port Tunnel and Dublin Airport, where Coopers Cross will add to the significant regeneration already underway.

“Following on from the success of our 4.8-acre Capital Dock campus development in the South Docks, bringing together top office occupiers, retailers and residents to Dublin’s newest urban quarter, we look forward to creating a further transformational hub for social, cultural and business activity in the heart of the North Docks for companies wishing to grow their business in a vibrant new campus to base their headquarters.”

Coopers Cross comprises an entire city block (fronting Mayor Street Upper, Castleforbes Road, Sheriff Street Upper and New Wapping Street) and at 5.9 acres represents one of the largest undeveloped sites in Dublin’s CBD. It forms part of the Docklands SDZ (Strategic Development Zone), which facilitates the regeneration of the Docklands and already has planning permission for 449 PRS (private rented sector) units. Kennedy Wilson’s existing North Bank building forms part of the Coopers Cross campus and when combined with its close proximity to Liffey Trust, in excess of 650 PRS units are expected to be available at this prime city centre location, benefiting from being within walking distance to both local amenities and significant transport links.

The name of the new development embraces the maritime heritage of the area, paying tribute to the historical barrel makers, known as Coopers, and the very significant trade that took place along the adjacent railway lines. The campus’ statement is ‘Smart City Smart Space’ as the development targets the latest building innovation and highest sustainability standards.