More than 500 homes will be built on the site of the Digital Hub campus in Dublin 8 in the Liberties, according to a draft master plan to be published by the Land Development Agency (LDA) this week.

The redevelopment of the 3.72-hectare site off Thomas Street in the Liberties will involve the construction of new affordable and social apartments in blocks up to 12 storeys high, as well as the renovation and reuse of several protected and historic buildings. The Digital Hub Campus was officially closed in April 2021, however, the DHDA did agree to offer new leases to new and existing companies until 2025.

The apartments would begin construction following this. The development, which the LDA is calling Pear Tree Crossing in reference to a tree on the site said to be the oldest fruit-bearing tree in Ireland, includes some 550 homes.

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Most of the housing will be in new apartment blocks, with a smaller number of homes in the upper floors of existing historic buildings, including some fronting on to Thomas Street. The land is set to be divided into four plots; the Watling plot, the St Patrick’s Tower plot, the Vathouse 7 plot and the School Street plot.

The Watling plot is set to have 110 homes, the St Patrick's Tower plot is likely to only have about 60, with any building being a maximum height of eight storeys. Meanwhile, the Vathouse 7 plot has been designated to have 190 homes, while the School Street plot will have 190 apartments, in blocks from four to 12 storeys.

The Masterplan will be finalised in early 2023 following this period of consultation and engagement, and this will provide details in terms of quantum and phasing. The LDA’s intention is to submit an initial planning application later in 2023, following this public consultation process.

Liberties new apartments
Thomas Street view

Phased delivery is expected to place from 2024.The DHDA continues to provide a range of services on the existing DHDA Campus including attractive workspace and services to entrepreneurial and creative companies as well as their community and social programmes until at least 2025.

John Coleman CEO of LDA said: "The LDA is delighted to bring forward this important draft masterplan for the lands at Digital Hub for public consultation. We believe this will catalyse the transformation of a mostly vacant heritage district into a vibrant new sustainable community.

"Pear Tree Crossing will provide an exceptional opportunity to enhance the Liberties and contribute to the transformation of this currently under-utilised area. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners, stakeholders and the local community as we work towards an exciting new chapter in the heart of Dublin city”

Dearbhla Lawson, Head of Strategic Planning at the LDA said: "The LDA aims to regenerate these lands in a way that will respect the site’s distinctiveness, heritage, and its unique connection to the local community. The draft masterplan provides new affordable and social housing underpinned by strong sustainability, community-oriented values, new connections to improve permeability while respecting the heritage of the historic area.

She added: "We look forward to meeting with and hearing from our partners, key stakeholders, and the local community over the coming weeks regarding the draft proposals. Further information is available at www.peartreecrossing.ie”

Community groups and stakeholders are encouraged to find out more about the LDA’s plans and share their own thoughts via the dedicated website www.peartreecrossing.ie The LDA will be running a drop in workshop space at iD8 Studio in the Digital Hub during October, holding meetings with local stakeholders and our communications channel will be open to receive feedback and submissions: Email community@peartreecrossing.ie

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