Summix Capital are set to lodge plans for a nine-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) block on the former site of the Independent Newspaper’s HQ on Middle Abbey Street in Dublin, Ireland.
The planning notice states that Summix IHD Developments Ltd is to lodge a Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) application with Dublin City Council, comprising 316 student bedrooms.
The notice also states that the standard and accessible 272 rooms will be delivered via 42 clusters ranging from five-bed spaces to nine-bed spaces at 87 to 93 Middle Abbey Street, known collectively as Independent House. The scheme is to involve the construction of a part nine-storey over-basement building connecting into the retained protected structures.
The proposal also involves the widening and upgrading of Williams Lane linking Abbey Street and Princes Street.
The planning application comes almost one year after Summix Capital purchased Independent House. The building closed in the early 2000s and has been vacant for over two decades.
Asked to comment on the planning application, by Breakingnews.ie, a Summix advisor in Ireland confirmed the plans.
”Summix are very excited about this prime city centre project. When completed, the development will preserve the protected Independent House and Emerald Chambers buildings and the original printing hall and will also add badly needed accommodation to the significantly undersupplied student housing market in central Dublin.
“The addition of retail accommodation along with the students themselves will contribute to the vibrancy of this key city centre area.
“Assuming planning is granted later this year or early next year, it is expected that construction will commence immediately with the building likely to open in 2028.”
Steve Cassidy, Advisor in Ireland, Summix
