BOSTON FIRM Corcoran Jennison says it is still willing to redevelop three major Dublin housing regeneration projects which Dublin City Council (DCC) is to spend €95 million rebuilding.
The council this month announced it would rebuild 280 social units on the sites of the dilapidated flat complexes at St Michael's Estates, O'Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street.
These major inner-city flat complexes were to have been regenerated with a mix of social, affordable and private housing under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the council and developer Bernard McNamara. However the deal collapsed earlier this year.
Corcoran Jennison, which was the underbidder in relation to two of the projects awarded to Mr McNamara, has told The Irish Times that it would be prepared to go ahead with the regeneration of all three schemes, but the council had dismissed its proposals.
In a letter to The Irish Times severely criticising the local authority's actions, Miles Byrne, development director of Corcoran Jennison, said the council was in danger of creating more "failed communities" by not providing a mix of social and private housing on the three sites.
The company, which has been involved in the development of mixed-tenure communities for more than 35 years, said its plans were "the only viable solution" for the regeneration of the complexes.
Following the collapse of the agreements with Mr McNamara, Corcoran Jennison approached the council with proposals to develop the PPP schemes, but it says the council did not enter into meaningful negotiations.
"Contrary to what has been publicly reported, please also note at no time did DCC negotiate with Corcoran Jennison to complete these important regeneration schemes. In our opinion Dublin City Council was simply 'going through the motions' with respect to the alleged 'negotiations' with Corcoran Jennison."
The residents of the three flat complexes would remain isolated and stigmatised unless the sites were redeveloped with a mix of social and private housing, Mr Byrne said.
"We strongly believe the Corcoran Jennison model fulfils the stated goals of the PPP proposals.
"Yet DCC has decided to move ahead with an alternate regeneration plan that is in many ways a repackaging of the regeneration plans that created the failed communities of Dominick Street, O'Devaney Gardens and St Michael's Estate."
In a statement the council said it had received legal advice that it could not negotiate with Corcoran Jennison on the PPP projects.
"Dublin City Council's stated intention throughout the present economic downturn, which led to the collapse of a number of PPPs, has always been to put its tenants first and will continue to do so in the regeneration of these estates."
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label regeneration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label regeneration. Show all posts
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Council to spend €4bn to regenerate parts of city
DUBLIN City Council plans to spend €4bn in the next 10 years regenerating large parts of the capital.
City manager John Tierney said that the massive spend would be topped-up by investment from private developers and that the council would seek funding from both the EU and Government to realise its ambitious plans.
Speaking at the launch of a public consultation process for an urban regeneration project for the Liberties area yesterday, Mr Tierney said the views of the communities involved would be sought before a plan is finalised.
The Liberties is one of a number of ambitious projects aimed at reversing decades of under-investment in the city centre, taking up to 10 years to realise.
Other projects earmarked for the €4bn regeneration kitty include O'Devaney Gardens on the North Circular Road, Dominick Street, Parnell Square and the Carlton cinema site on O'Connell Street.
Irish Independent
City manager John Tierney said that the massive spend would be topped-up by investment from private developers and that the council would seek funding from both the EU and Government to realise its ambitious plans.
Speaking at the launch of a public consultation process for an urban regeneration project for the Liberties area yesterday, Mr Tierney said the views of the communities involved would be sought before a plan is finalised.
The Liberties is one of a number of ambitious projects aimed at reversing decades of under-investment in the city centre, taking up to 10 years to realise.
Other projects earmarked for the €4bn regeneration kitty include O'Devaney Gardens on the North Circular Road, Dominick Street, Parnell Square and the Carlton cinema site on O'Connell Street.
Irish Independent
Sunday, 27 May 2007
€150m redevelopment of Dominick Street
An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern has welcomed the selection of a preferred bidder for the €150 million redevelopment of Dominick Street Lower flat complex through a Public Private Partnership.
The Taoiseach said - "This redevelopment will result in a state-of-the-art mixed-use city development, with public and private open space, community, leisure and retail facilities and sustainable urban housing."
The project will be managed by Dublin City Council, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government - together with Michael McNamara & Co. when a Project Agreement has been successfully negotiated by the parties. The estimated duration of the project will be five years.
Upon completion, the project will deliver 120 Social Dwellings, Private Dwellings, circa 1,600 square metres of Community Space and circa 7,623 square metres of Retail Space.
The Taoiseach added - "This development will re-invigorate the area. Importantly, the developer's plans will be presented to the residents for their consideration before and during the redevelopment. It will be an excellent example of what can be achieved through such partnerships and this project will be used as a yardstick for future developments."
The Taoiseach said - "This redevelopment will result in a state-of-the-art mixed-use city development, with public and private open space, community, leisure and retail facilities and sustainable urban housing."
The project will be managed by Dublin City Council, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government - together with Michael McNamara & Co. when a Project Agreement has been successfully negotiated by the parties. The estimated duration of the project will be five years.
Upon completion, the project will deliver 120 Social Dwellings, Private Dwellings, circa 1,600 square metres of Community Space and circa 7,623 square metres of Retail Space.
The Taoiseach added - "This development will re-invigorate the area. Importantly, the developer's plans will be presented to the residents for their consideration before and during the redevelopment. It will be an excellent example of what can be achieved through such partnerships and this project will be used as a yardstick for future developments."
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Mr John Fitzgerald to act as Interim Chairperson of two forthcoming Limerick Regeneration Agencies
Mr. Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has announced that Mr John Fitzgerald (former Dublin City Manager) has agreed to act as Interim Chairperson of two Limerick Regeneration Agencies.
The two bodies will lead the development of comprehensive measures to tackle issues of social exclusion in Moyross and other targeted disadvantaged areas of Limerick City. "I very much welcome that John Fitzgerald has agreed to accept this role to drive forward the regeneration of certain areas of Limerick" - said Minister Roche.
Last October, Mr Fitzgerald was appointed by Government to lead an initiative to address social exclusion, crime and disorder in Moyross and other parts of Limerick City. Mr Fitzgerald presented his recommendations to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion recently and the Government subsequently agreed to the implementation of his recommendations.
One specific recommendation from Mr Fitzgerald's analysis was for the establishment of two area-based special purpose regeneration agencies - namely Limerick Northside Regeneration and Limerick Southside Regeneration. These Agencies will be established to drive economic and infrastructural development in defined areas and to direct and co-ordinate intensive action to deal with social and economic disadvantage.
"My Department is currently preparing the necessary Establishment Orders to provide the statutory basis for the two Limerick Regeneration Agencies" - commented Minister Roche. "This important work is being given high priority by the Government and I am confident that John Fitzgerald's leadership will make an extremely valuable contribution to the future work of these Agencies."
The two bodies will lead the development of comprehensive measures to tackle issues of social exclusion in Moyross and other targeted disadvantaged areas of Limerick City. "I very much welcome that John Fitzgerald has agreed to accept this role to drive forward the regeneration of certain areas of Limerick" - said Minister Roche.
Last October, Mr Fitzgerald was appointed by Government to lead an initiative to address social exclusion, crime and disorder in Moyross and other parts of Limerick City. Mr Fitzgerald presented his recommendations to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion recently and the Government subsequently agreed to the implementation of his recommendations.
One specific recommendation from Mr Fitzgerald's analysis was for the establishment of two area-based special purpose regeneration agencies - namely Limerick Northside Regeneration and Limerick Southside Regeneration. These Agencies will be established to drive economic and infrastructural development in defined areas and to direct and co-ordinate intensive action to deal with social and economic disadvantage.
"My Department is currently preparing the necessary Establishment Orders to provide the statutory basis for the two Limerick Regeneration Agencies" - commented Minister Roche. "This important work is being given high priority by the Government and I am confident that John Fitzgerald's leadership will make an extremely valuable contribution to the future work of these Agencies."
€50m Regeneration Plan for Limerick
Limerick City Council has unveiled a major €50m Regeneration Plan that will transform Limerick into one of Europe's most vibrant and living centres.
The proposed plan includes the remodelling and pedestrianisation of Limerick's centre and the development of a new Orbital Route that will still give traffic access to the heart of the city.
The aim of the €50m plan is to give pedestrians priority in the heart of Limerick city and improve the streetscapes and traffic management, according to Limerick City Manager, Tom Mackey. "This plan will give Limerick a vibrant and living city-centre to match the best cities in Europe of comparable size" - he said.
It will create a first-class friendly public space where people can shop, live, work, sit in cafes and enjoy street entertainment, Mr Mackey added. "The remodelling of Limerick will complement the major regeneration of the city-centre, that is currently underway - with the private sector investing over €1bn in developments such as the Opera Centre, new hotels, commercial and residential projects" - Mr Mackey added.
In addition, the new proposed Orbital Route will still give traffic access to the city centre, while giving pedestrians and cyclists better access to quality public space.
Limerick city is one of the nine National Spatial Strategy Gateway Centres targeted in the National Development Plan for regional investment. The Exchequer is to provide €300m in a Gateways Innovation Fund to the local authorities for local economic infrastructure.
The proposed plan includes the remodelling and pedestrianisation of Limerick's centre and the development of a new Orbital Route that will still give traffic access to the heart of the city.
The aim of the €50m plan is to give pedestrians priority in the heart of Limerick city and improve the streetscapes and traffic management, according to Limerick City Manager, Tom Mackey. "This plan will give Limerick a vibrant and living city-centre to match the best cities in Europe of comparable size" - he said.
It will create a first-class friendly public space where people can shop, live, work, sit in cafes and enjoy street entertainment, Mr Mackey added. "The remodelling of Limerick will complement the major regeneration of the city-centre, that is currently underway - with the private sector investing over €1bn in developments such as the Opera Centre, new hotels, commercial and residential projects" - Mr Mackey added.
In addition, the new proposed Orbital Route will still give traffic access to the city centre, while giving pedestrians and cyclists better access to quality public space.
Limerick city is one of the nine National Spatial Strategy Gateway Centres targeted in the National Development Plan for regional investment. The Exchequer is to provide €300m in a Gateways Innovation Fund to the local authorities for local economic infrastructure.
Saturday, 27 January 2007
Opposition to regeneration plans in Muirhevnamor and Cox’s Demesne
The Argus tells us of how Dundalk Town Council is facing massive organised opposition to regeneration plans in Muirhevnamor and Cox’s Demesne.
And the two estates have plans to put past rivalries to one side and join together to form a united front against elements of the multi-million euro draft plans. They are demanding officials start listening to them.
This unity represents a headache for council officials who were eager that their ideas would be accepted so that funding could be applied for from the Department of Environment before the end of this year.
It is expected that joint meetings between the council and the two estates will be held and common approaches will be agreed on between representatives in both areas.
Last month, Dundalk Town Council officials held public meetings in Muirhevnamor and Cox’s Demesne to outline their architects’ visions for the regeneration of the estates.
The meetings, which were very well attended by people in both areas, showed detailed draft plans for regeneration projects that would cost upwards of €60 million.
Controversially, it was revealed that up to 114 houses were earmarked for demolition in Muirhevnamor while the main bone of contention in Cox’s was the proposed destruction of 13 homes on the hill at Ashling Park.
Following intensive negotiation with people in Muirhevnamor, it was yesterday announced that a petition has been signed by more than 80 percent of residents outlining their opposition to aspects of the plan.
At Ait na Daoine, members of Muirhevnamor Community Council (MMCC) said that while they broadly welcomed the regeneration programme in the estate, the building and maintaining of trust was crucial to its implementation.
The petition, which gave the MMCC an overwhelming mandate to represent the views of residents, calls for representatives to be elected from across the estate to a steering group who would handle meetings with council officials about the regeneration programme.
MMCC claimed there was little consultation by officials ahead of the announcement that 114 homes will be demolished.
There is also massive opposition in principle to the plan to build 220 new houses on what residents say is an already overcrowded estate. In addition, the demolition of the OPDs and their accommodation in an ‘isolated’ area is also rejected.
RAPID board member Kevin Mulgrew said fragile trust was smashed when officials presented the plans to the public as a ‘fait acompli’.
He said, “The news two weeks before Christmas that people’s homes, some of whom have been here for more than 30 years, were going to be knocked shattered confidence and caused panic and rumour.
“We welcome the regeneration project overall, but there are large aspects that we want officials to reconsider.
“We are willing to sit down with them and talk about the issues, but there is no trust here towards the Town Council after years of neglect”.
He also pointed out that the Department of the Environment, who will oversee any large project like this, have no formal guidelines for regeneration of estates.
Doolargy Avenue resident Anna Bond was getting positive signals from the council over the last couple of years about acquiring a green area beside her home, but that’s all up in the air now.
At the start of December, she was informed that her home was to be demolished. She said, “The only reason that they gave for this is that they want to turn the houses to face a different direction and to put one more house in the row - it’s senseless”.
Community worker Tony Jordan said that while no-one could deny Muirhevanmor needed a major facelift, homes, not just houses, were being razed for little reason. Siobhan McGarrigle is facing the demolition of not just her own home, but also her mum’s house.
Resident Ciaran Bond said the council should look at the more immediate problems such as the fact that 19 houses are currently boarded up and the remedial works scheme has not achieved what it set out to.
He said, “A lot of the problems could be solved if the council was willing to look at simple alternatives.
“We have talked to them before about what we think would improve the estate and they went away and drew up this regeneration plans that contain nothing that we suggested”.
Other issues such as the blocking off of access to the Avenue Road from some parts of the estate, the realignment of Hoey’s lane, the building of around 80 flats and duplexes on a green site and the lack of provision of proper facilities are also major bones of contention.
The first meeting between residents of Aghameen and council officials was due to take place last (Tuesday) night.
And the two estates have plans to put past rivalries to one side and join together to form a united front against elements of the multi-million euro draft plans. They are demanding officials start listening to them.
This unity represents a headache for council officials who were eager that their ideas would be accepted so that funding could be applied for from the Department of Environment before the end of this year.
It is expected that joint meetings between the council and the two estates will be held and common approaches will be agreed on between representatives in both areas.
Last month, Dundalk Town Council officials held public meetings in Muirhevnamor and Cox’s Demesne to outline their architects’ visions for the regeneration of the estates.
The meetings, which were very well attended by people in both areas, showed detailed draft plans for regeneration projects that would cost upwards of €60 million.
Controversially, it was revealed that up to 114 houses were earmarked for demolition in Muirhevnamor while the main bone of contention in Cox’s was the proposed destruction of 13 homes on the hill at Ashling Park.
Following intensive negotiation with people in Muirhevnamor, it was yesterday announced that a petition has been signed by more than 80 percent of residents outlining their opposition to aspects of the plan.
At Ait na Daoine, members of Muirhevnamor Community Council (MMCC) said that while they broadly welcomed the regeneration programme in the estate, the building and maintaining of trust was crucial to its implementation.
The petition, which gave the MMCC an overwhelming mandate to represent the views of residents, calls for representatives to be elected from across the estate to a steering group who would handle meetings with council officials about the regeneration programme.
MMCC claimed there was little consultation by officials ahead of the announcement that 114 homes will be demolished.
There is also massive opposition in principle to the plan to build 220 new houses on what residents say is an already overcrowded estate. In addition, the demolition of the OPDs and their accommodation in an ‘isolated’ area is also rejected.
RAPID board member Kevin Mulgrew said fragile trust was smashed when officials presented the plans to the public as a ‘fait acompli’.
He said, “The news two weeks before Christmas that people’s homes, some of whom have been here for more than 30 years, were going to be knocked shattered confidence and caused panic and rumour.
“We welcome the regeneration project overall, but there are large aspects that we want officials to reconsider.
“We are willing to sit down with them and talk about the issues, but there is no trust here towards the Town Council after years of neglect”.
He also pointed out that the Department of the Environment, who will oversee any large project like this, have no formal guidelines for regeneration of estates.
Doolargy Avenue resident Anna Bond was getting positive signals from the council over the last couple of years about acquiring a green area beside her home, but that’s all up in the air now.
At the start of December, she was informed that her home was to be demolished. She said, “The only reason that they gave for this is that they want to turn the houses to face a different direction and to put one more house in the row - it’s senseless”.
Community worker Tony Jordan said that while no-one could deny Muirhevanmor needed a major facelift, homes, not just houses, were being razed for little reason. Siobhan McGarrigle is facing the demolition of not just her own home, but also her mum’s house.
Resident Ciaran Bond said the council should look at the more immediate problems such as the fact that 19 houses are currently boarded up and the remedial works scheme has not achieved what it set out to.
He said, “A lot of the problems could be solved if the council was willing to look at simple alternatives.
“We have talked to them before about what we think would improve the estate and they went away and drew up this regeneration plans that contain nothing that we suggested”.
Other issues such as the blocking off of access to the Avenue Road from some parts of the estate, the realignment of Hoey’s lane, the building of around 80 flats and duplexes on a green site and the lack of provision of proper facilities are also major bones of contention.
The first meeting between residents of Aghameen and council officials was due to take place last (Tuesday) night.
Friday, 5 January 2007
O'Devaney Gardening: Sowing The Seeds Of Regeneration In An Inner City Community
Thia article on Indymedia is worth reading:
Lena Jordan talks about the upcoming plans to redevelop O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin 7
O'Devaney Gardens redevelopment is only beginning. The tenants of the local authority complex are trying to organise themselves, so they can demand what their community needs effectively when the tender is given to a developer.
O'Devaney Gardens (ODG) is a local authority housing estate comprised of just under 300 flats, located at the end of the North Circular Road in the west of the inner city. It is a 16-acre site adjacent to the Phoenix Park, close to the Red LUAS line, Heuston Station and within walking distance of the city centre, the 'new' Smithfield and the courts district. At present Dublin City Council (DCC) have put out a tender for redeveloping the entire site. Three private developers are in the running for the awarding of the tender. The plan for development has not been finalised yet, and the tenants of ODG are unsure of what the final outcome of the transformation of their home will look like.
For the rest follow this link: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/71921?topic=housing&comment_limit=0&condense_comments=false#comment178423
Lena Jordan talks about the upcoming plans to redevelop O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin 7
O'Devaney Gardens redevelopment is only beginning. The tenants of the local authority complex are trying to organise themselves, so they can demand what their community needs effectively when the tender is given to a developer.
O'Devaney Gardens (ODG) is a local authority housing estate comprised of just under 300 flats, located at the end of the North Circular Road in the west of the inner city. It is a 16-acre site adjacent to the Phoenix Park, close to the Red LUAS line, Heuston Station and within walking distance of the city centre, the 'new' Smithfield and the courts district. At present Dublin City Council (DCC) have put out a tender for redeveloping the entire site. Three private developers are in the running for the awarding of the tender. The plan for development has not been finalised yet, and the tenants of ODG are unsure of what the final outcome of the transformation of their home will look like.
For the rest follow this link: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/71921?topic=housing&comment_limit=0&condense_comments=false#comment178423
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