Adaptive Reuse
The Adaptive Reuse Unit in the Housing and Community Services Department is creating new social housing apartments by adapting and refurbishing vacant office and commercial buildings in Dublin city.
The unit is delivering along two of the pathways to a sustainable housing system identified under Housing for All: to increase new housing supply, and to address vacancy and efficient use of existing stock. The delivery of Adaptive Reuse projects demonstrates a commitment by Dublin City Council to proactively engage in implementing the policies of the City Development Plan 2022-2028 in relation to the refurbishment of the historic built environment, achieving reductions in vacancy and underuse of buildings, and promoting refurbishment over demolition and reconstruction of buildings where possible. As is often quoted “The greenest building is the one that is already built”. Recent research by the Irish Green Building Council in relation to delivering housing highlights the importance of using existing buildings to deliver new housing if carbon reduction targets in the built environment sector are to be achieved. With commercial vacancy rates increasing and property prices falling, it is expected that Adaptive Reuse of commercial and non-residential buildings will become an increasingly desirable option for creating new homes in Dublin city in the coming years.
Projects Underway
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) has granted funding approval for four Adaptive Reuse projects in the Dublin City Council area. The acquisition of one of these properties, 14-15 Fitzwilliam Quay, Dublin 4, completed in March 2024. This is a former office building that will be converted to 15 apartments for use as social housing or affordable sale. Funding applications for two additional projects are pending approval by the DHLGH, and feasibility studies for six additional projects are underway.
Further information will be provided as the projects progress.
Contact
The Adaptive Reuse unit is interested in all vacant commercial properties in the Dublin City Council area that may be suitable for conversion to housing. Commercial properties for sale on the open market are assessed continuously.
If you are a property owner, an estate agent, or a state body with a commercial property that may be suitable for Adaptive Reuse, and are interested in selling or transferring your property to Dublin City Council, please contact [email protected].