Sisk alongside Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dublin City Council (DCC) have marked the official start of construction for 708 new affordable homes at Cherry Orchard Point.
Sisk have been appointed as construction partners for Phase 1A which includes 308 cost rental and 81 social homes across five apartment blocks alongside a new public park and community spaces. The new homes will be A-rated, with heat pump systems, solar panels and quality insulation. Many of the homes will have views over communal parkland or landscaped courtyard gardens. All apartments will have a balcony or terrace space. This first phase of the development also includes a supermarket unit, commercial/retail units, internal and external community, cultural and arts spaces plus a creche.
In total, Phase 1A will comprise 28 studio apartments, 263 one-bed, 368 two-bed and 49 three-bed apartments, ranging in height from 4 to 15 storeys. An Coimisiún Pleanála has also recently approved planning permission for Phase 2, which comprises 13 two-bed houses, 88 three-bed houses, 18 two-bed duplexes, and 18 three-bed duplexes all of which will be affordable for sale homes. Once complete, Cherry Orchard Point will feature landscaped open spaces including a plaza, multipurpose amenity lawn, outdoor fitness trail, multi-use games area and a playground.
A network of parks and civic spaces will be connected by tree-lined streets, while residents will benefit from high-quality integrated and accessible public transport and a safe, permeable environment that promotes sustainable travel modes. Cherry Orchard Point is designed to integrate with other local DCC projects including the redevelopment of Cherry Orchard Park to provide a new sports hub and the creation of a village hub opposite St Ultan’s School. In addition to Cherry Orchard Point, the LDA is working closely with DCC on a number of other residential projects including Bluebell Waterways, An tSrúill in Cromcastle, Coolock, and the Donore Project on the site of the former St. Teresa's Gardens.
Paul Brown, CEO, Sisk said: “We are delighted to partner with the LDA again on such a major development in Dublin. Our team has the experience and expertise to drive this project forward delivering essential homes. We look forward to working with our local supply chain partners plus the LDA and DCC to deliver a development that the local community will be proud of.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said, "Today marks another step in the delivery of affordable homes in Dublin, and I would like to acknowledge the work of the Land Development Agency and Dublin City Council, who have partnered on this project. This development will provide more than 1,000 new affordable homes, as well as important retail and recreational amenities, providing a huge boost to current and future residents.
"I am determined to continue to unlock the delivery of homes and accelerate the scale and pace of construction across the country. Cherry Orchard Point is a great example of how we are making that happen."
John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency, said, “It’s exciting to start construction on Cherry Orchard Point, the largest joint project being undertaken by the LDA and DCC. Momentum is building to transform this major underutilised site into what will ultimately be a well-connected and well-served new community at the heart of Cherry Orchard. With Phase 1 construction now underway and planning recently granted for Phase 2, the LDA is making significant progress in west Dublin.
“I would like to thank the Lord Mayor and the Minister for joining us to turn the sod and for the Government’s ongoing support of the LDA’s ambitions, as well as DCC for their positive collaboration.”
Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, said, ‘This is a great day for housing delivery in Dublin City. There is visible and welcome momentum behind the Cherry Orchard Point development which will help Dublin City Council expand its programme of mixed tenure delivery throughout the city.
“I would like to thank our partners, the Land Development Agency, and acknowledge the support of local councillors for this scheme, which will now deliver high-quality housing and amenities in an area that we have identified as suitable for future growth.”
Speaking at the event, Ray McAdam, Lord Mayor of Dublin, said, “I am delighted to be turning the sod on this long-awaited and much needed development in Cherry Orchard. It’s a landmark day for the community, which had engaged with Dublin City Council and the LDA to ensure that this project will deliver new amenities for the area.
“A huge amount of work has gone into getting us to this point and I would like to thank all those involved for their efforts. I look forward to returning to see this site become a modern high quality housing development.”