The Irish Times

Noel Smyth's development company Alburn has sought planning permission for an ambitious mixed use development on the old MJ Flood site in Sandyford, Dublin 18. The project includes some 3,251 sq m (35,000 sq ft) of mixed retail and office space, 15 live/work units and 259 apartments. It also includes a range of public facilities and amenities which can serve adjoining workers and residents. These include a gymnasium, crèche and a club cinema. To underline this open approach (in contrast to many gated communities), the heavily landscaped courtyard at first floor level is also usable as a public open space. The scheme includes a slender (two apartments per floor) 23-storey landmark tower and the application includes a rigorous assessment of the planning justification for this element. The tower contains a double height café/bar at ground level and a public winter garden at 23rd floor level to provide access to the panoramic views from this vantage point.