21st Century (2000–present)

Dublin Docklands Strategic Development Zone (SDZ)

2012 · Ireland · Northern Europe · Post-industrial regeneration and waterfront urbanism · Planned by Dublin City Council
Figure 30, the Overall Framework Plan of the North Lotts & Grand Canal Dock SDZ Planning Scheme, showing the five hub areas (Spencer Dock, Point Village, Grand Canal Square, Britain Quay, Boland's Mills), the city-block structure and the public realm network either side of the Liffey.
Figure 30, the Overall Framework Plan of the North Lotts & Grand Canal Dock SDZ Planning Scheme, showing the five hub areas (Spencer Dock, Point Village, Grand Canal Square, Britain Quay, Boland's Mills), the city-block structure and the public realm network either side of the Liffey. · © Dublin City Council — used with credit · Dublin City Council, North Lotts & Grand Canal Dock SDZ Planning Scheme (approved 2013/2014), Figure 30 Overall Framework Plan

Core idea

Plan-led redevelopment of North/South Lotts

Why it matters

Model of plan-led consent to accelerate delivery

Description

The Dublin Docklands Strategic Development Zone, designated in 2012 with its planning scheme approved in 2014, covers the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock areas of Dublin's former docklands in Ireland. Prepared by Dublin City Council after the winding down of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the SDZ scheme set out a plan-led framework of urban blocks, heights, uses and public realm for the remaining development land on both sides of the Liffey. Once a scheme is adopted, compliant applications cannot be appealed, giving developers and the council certainty and speed of consent.

Significance

The Docklands SDZ became the principal Irish model of plan-led consenting, showing how a statutory scheme could accelerate delivery of a major waterfront quarter after the 2008 crash and the failure of the previous quango-led approach. It underpinned the rapid build-out of the docklands as Dublin's financial and technology district. It is debated both as a success in delivery certainty and as a case study in affordability and the dominance of office and build-to-rent development.

What shaped it

Sources

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