Spencer Dock is a 11.7 hectare site in Dublin’s north docklands, which was masterplanned by STW to accommodate a mix of commercial and residential uses. The centrepiece of the development is a 1.5 hectare performance square, around which the various commercial and retail developments are planned in four quadrants. The street planning provides for the reinstatement of the distinctive grid-street pattern typical of the docklands area. Mayor Street is reinstated as an east-west axis through the development. To the west of the site is Spencer Dock, which forms part of the Royal Canal. The overall development in the vicinity of the dock, comprising a conference centre south of Mayor Street, and a residential development north of Mayor Street, exploits the potential of the water body for amenity and social development.
Urban Design & Planning
The Spencer Dock site is master-planned to comply with the Dublin Docklands Development Authority’s planning scheme for the overall Docklands / North Lotts area. The square includes a Luas station, which, together with the mixed commercial and retail uses, provides for the creation of a vibrant urban area, integrating living, working and leisure activities.
The street planning provides for the reinstatement of the distinctive grid-street pattern typical of the docklands area. Mayor Street is reinstated as an east-west axis through the development. To the west of the site is Spencer Dock. The overall development in the vicinity of the dock, comprising a conference centre south of Mayor Street, and a residential development north of Mayor Street, exploits the potential of the water body for amenity and social development.
The master plan includes a Convention Centre and hotel on the corner site zoned by the DDDA for the National Conference Centre and includes the creation of a new linear park along the canal. The master plan also includes the refurbishment of listed buildings – the former North Wall Passenger Station and the former London & North Western Railways hotel, both of which front onto North Wall Quay.