Controversial redevelopment of St Stephen’s Green gets green light

The plans have been met with backlash

The proposals include plans to remove the shopping centre's iconic glass dome and curved facade.

It comes as the owners, DTDL Ltd, plan to increase the space to eight storeys.

This would allow for the addition of office spaces, cinema screens and hospitality outlets to the space.

Developers claim the plans will help to bring new life to St Stephen's Green, and further improve the retail offerings in the shopping centre.

However, the proposals have been met with criticism from those who say it will negatively impact the character of the area, as the facade and glass dome have been on Grafton Street since the 1980s.

The original plans were rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála last summer.

The council requested developers resubmit plans for the main enterance, however these new plans do not differ much from the original proposals.

There has been fierce objections to the redevelopment plans, with the Save Stephen's Green Campaign being backed by 20,000 objectors.

In the report giving the plans the green light, the council said "the applicant has chosen to retain the majority of the architectural design of the corner element as initially proposed".

It stated the developer "has satisfactorily addressed the planning authorities' concern regarding a lack of strong placemaking and urban design elements associated with the development".

The council's report said the redevelopment would lead to 'improved visitor and retailer experience' for St Stephen's Green.