Late last week it was reported that Dublin City Council (DCC) had approved a €100m remodelling project for the “iconic” St. Stephen’s Green shopping centre on Grafton Street.
Disappointed by the plans which will render the iconic structure unrecognisable, social media users expressed concern that the building would be left looking ‘like a generic airport building’.
The Irish Times reported that DCC granted permission to DTDL Ltd, “controlled by a fund operated by stockbroker and wealth manager Davy, after the applicants reduced the scale and massing of the scheme.
“Davy has secured the green light for the redevelopment after paying a reported €175 million for the centre on behalf of its clients in 2019.” it said.
Why tear down something good only to construct something that terrible? Stephen's Green Shopping Centre is a large indoor shopping centre and a very beautiful staple in Dublin, Ireland. pic.twitter.com/8jTphhxWIX
— 𝕏 Travels, Hotels and Resorts (@em3dia) December 16, 2023
On a post shared by Alternative Dublin, people expressed their dismay at the remodelling project with one user commenting that it’s “Chipping away at Dublin’s identity,”
“I love the Stephen’s green shopping centre,” said another user, adding, “it’s beautiful and bright. I’m so sick of the same bloody design. There are so many of these square boring office blocks around the city. Coming out of the park and seeing this new design is really soul destroying,”
“Looks like a data centre. All the place needs is a few half decent shops and a bit of tlc” said another man.
A petition was also set up in hopes of ‘saving’ the centre although questions were raised on the effectiveness of the move. And another petition is also being shared.
Amanda M. who launched the petition said she wished to express “deep concern and commitment to preserving the historical and cultural significance of St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin.”
“This iconic landmark holds a special place in our hearts, and we believe it must be protected for future generations to enjoy,” she said.
The Irish Times Reported that while the planner’s report “acknowledged that the existing shopping centre is a local landmark but that this was not due to the quality of its architecture, and stated that the shopping centre is not a protected structure.”
Another internet user commented, “The new building is absolutely vile. The current building has so much history and character. Gobsmacked DCC approved it.”
A twitter/X user comment that the “ubiquity of uglification, which is a direct consequence of globalization, diminishes our appreciation for the beauty of traditions and, consequently, erodes our sense of identity,”
Ugh, it is such a standout as is. Christmas 2015: pic.twitter.com/SCU5bXHvlV
— Ace (@GuyverII) December 16, 2023
Another commenter asked, “why don’t they leave this iconic building alone, “redevelop” but surely leave the facade at least – why would you want to strip everything of interest or culture in our capital city, ruining anything with soul?”