High-spec office space approved in Wellpark

The plans – which have already received the backing of IDA Ireland – will see the construction of a new building ranging from four to five storeys over a partial basement carpark opposite GMIT’s Cluain Mhuire campus.

Developer and property investor Shaun Hennelly described the project as a “landmark building” in the planning application.

The Council approved the plans to develop the vacant, fenced-off site at 67-71 Wellpark Road – in front of Mervue Business and Technology Park – for a Grade A (regarded as ‘best in class’) specialist office building ranging in height from four storeys to six storeys, over a partial basement carpark and a new vehicular entrance from Wellpark Road, with surface parking and a public plaza.

Planners gave the application the green light, but said that one level, the fourth ‘floor’, should be omitted due to concerns about the overall density of the development.

They have also ordered that the offices be limited to the following uses: data processing; software development; IT; commercial laboratories; research and development; media recording; telemarketing and publishing; other technology uses.

“Details of the use of each floor or the entire building shall be submitted to and agreed with the planning authority prior to the occupation of each unit. Any use other than the uses listed above, shall require a prior grant of planning permission,” planners said.

The Council also stipulated that the paved public plaza area to the north of the building must be made available to all of the building’s occupants.

A financial contribution of more than €127,000 must also be paid to the Council towards the cost of provision of public services in the area.

Construction work has been restricted to between 8am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. The developers have also been instructed to prevent workers parking on adjacent footpaths or on the Wellpark Road, and that deliveries during construction should be at off-peak hours – the times must be agreed in advance with the Council.

A schedule of works for any rock-breaking on the site must also be agreed with the local authority.

According to the application: “The proposed development seeks to deliver a high-quality architectural design of a landmark building set in a useable civic space; create a desirable workplace close to public transport and

“Our client’s vision is to create a landmark building that will become a gateway into the existing IDA park and has the potential to become a catalyst for future development and upgrade of the existing building stock in the IDA park.

“That will ensure/safeguard and strengthen the future of the park as a centre for employment able to accommodate the needs of medium to large employers/businesses that want to set-up in Grade A office space at a well-serviced, well-connected location close to the city centre as well as in close proximity to residential neighbourhoods and third level institutions,” the application reads.

The plans also include a total of 107 parking spaces and five sets of bicycle stands in the basement.