Auteur: AIVP
Source: Dublin Docklands Authority
Date de parution: Mercredi, 04 Juillet 2007
Type de Document: Actualité
Thème: 5.08 - promenade et espaces publics, 5.05 - culture et équipement culturel
Langue originale: Anglais
Localisation: Europe : Irlande : Dublin
Langue: Français, Anglais, Espagnol

Un nouvel espace de 10000 m² a été inauguré, le 14 juin 2007, sur le site des Docklands de Dublin. Pour ses promoteurs, Grand Canal Square, avec son théâtre de plein air, doit devenir un pôle culturel centrale de la ville. Le projet a été développé par l'architecte paysagiste américaine Martha Schwartz pour un montant de 8 millions d'euros

Speaking at the official opening Niamh O’Sullivan, Director, Docklands Authority said that this unique space illustrates the scale and diversity of development in Dublin’s Docklands. “The launch of Grand Canal Square is a significant milestone in the development of Dublin’s Docklands. Perhaps more than any other development, it illustrates just how much things have changed for the better in DublinCity. An area that has a rich history as a refuge for lepers, a public gallows, and a gas works site, has now become a jewel in the centre of what is one of the most progressive urban developments in Ireland. The pace at which apartments have literally risen from the ground; offices have been built and retail, leisure and cultural interests are taking root in the Grand Canal Dock area is unmatched anywhere else in the country. It is an appropriate symbol of a new and confident Ireland.” she said.

Paul Maloney, Chief Executive Dublin Docklands paid tribute to the local community who supported the development from the time the decision was taken to purchase the Grand Canal Harbour Site in 1997. “Throughout the decontamination period the community representatives provided great leadership in terms of explaining the process and communicating the ultimate benefits of the development. It is particularly gratifying, therefore, to see many of those community members continuing to play an active role as residents in new homes in Docklands. ”

“The design and construction of Grand Canal Square is an important element in the Docklands Authority’s remit to provide public amenity spaces in the area. Along with the river quaysides, George’s Dock and Mayor Square across the river, this space will provide an excellent opportunity for people to enjoy the emerging urban landscape in Docklands” he said.

Grand Canal Square is located at the west end of Grand Canal Dock with one side facing out on to the water. The recently completed tinted glass office building designed by Duffy Mitchell O’Donoghue - No.1 Grand Canal Square - is on the south side, with the Daniel Libeskind designed Grand Canal Theatre on the east side and the Manual Aires Matues designed 5-star hotel on the north side of the Square. There will be shops, cafés and restaurants at ground floor level. Already, the first of these have arrived with ely-hq, Fresh and the art gallery, Urban Retreat already trading successfully. The Square is built over an underground car park at the centre of the Grand Canal Dock development area.

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