4.1 West Terrace (1) A new public space, the West Terrace, is proposed to the west of station, elevated over tracks. The West Terrace is part of a sequence of spaces running from IMMA to the Phoenix Park, linked by a legible and high quality pedestrian and cycle route. The space will allow vehicular access to lands at the rear of the station and provide a new forecourt to the station addressing land to the west. The West Terrace should be predominantly used by public transport, taxis and private cars East bound traffic is given the option to connect with the terrace from St. John s Road. Traffic can continue across to Conyngham Road or access the station and station lands. The impact of traffic through the space should be minimised and access to the rear of the station efficient and controlled. Associated development: The west end of the station should be redeveloped with a new elevation onto the West Terrace. From this elevation the central concourse to the east can be accessed and therefore also Heuston Square and the Luas platforms. The site north of the station is considered suitable for a tall building. A Suggested use is hotel accommodation. A significant building of relatively low height should be developed to the northwest of the West Terrace. This building is within the protected view between IMMA and the Department of Defence (Gandon building). This building also has prominent frontage onto the space. CIE Lands site sections Character: The West Terrace uses the topography of the valley to create the illusion that the terrace is at grade. By taking the level of Conyngham Road and continuing it across the river to the rear of the station and across the tracks, a new datum level is created. The space should be highly organised and have a civic character appropriate to the forecourt to the national station and gateway to the city. The West Terrace will lie in the centre of the valley between IMMA and the Wellington monument and will have a panoramic view of both structures and the Liffey Valley to the West. The West Terrace should be clearly divided into trafficked and pedestrian areas. The West Terrace will benefit from south-west to west aspect, with an almost unobstructed view to the setting sun. The southern edge of the space is partially enclosed by the development on the Eircom site on St. John s Road West. The edge is defined by St. John s Road (N4) at the lower level. a. a. views of Waverley Station and Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland b. Broadgate, Liverpool Street, London c. Santa Justa Station, Seville, Spain [Cruz + Ortiz] d. Attocha Station, Madrid, Spain [Rafael Moneo] b. c. d. public spaces and associated development
4.2 Heuston Square (2) The space to the front of the Headquarters Building of the Great Western Railway is considered to be in the centre of the Heuston Gateway. All destinations in the area radiate from this space. Heuston Square is the main arrival space from the city centre. Heuston Square has river frontage along the north edge and links Victoria Quay to the section of Quay north of the station building (River Terrace). This is identified as a principal pedestrian desire line and must therefore be appropriately detailed to allow safe and controlled flow across traffic carriageways and Luas lines. Heuston Square is the site of the three Luas platforms for Heuston Station. The Square provides access to the bridges at the end of the one-way system on the quays. Traffic must therefore be carefully managed with pedestrian and cycle paths protected. Character: It is proposed that the space should be an active and central urban square for the Heuston Gateway. The space must provide clear legibility for the entire area. The views up to IMMA and across to Collins Barracks are important in terms of orientation. The choice of hard landscaping surface should contrast with the standard materials used throughout the city. The surface should be of a high quality. The square will benefit from excellent views and light due to the relatively low existing protected structures to the south and west. a. existing Heuston Square from south b. existing Heuston Square from north-west c. Place des Terraux, Lyons, France [Christian Drevet] d. Schouwburgplein, Rotterdam, Holland [West 8] e. Place d Armes, Namur, Belgium [Atelier 4D] Associated development: The Guinness UDV site on Victoria Quay and Heuston Square opposite the Headquarters Building should be developed with a high profile building of the highest architectural standards. General building height should generally be approximately equivalent to six floors of commercial use. Part of the site should be developed as a landmark tall building with appropriate slenderness and transparency. The development of the Caskworks on Steeven s Lane provides an opportunity for high-density commercial development. The northern block will have frontage onto the Heuston Square and Dr Steevens Hospital Park. Again six floors of commercial or equivalent is proposed. a. b. c. d. e. public spaces and associated development
4.3 River Terrace (3) The proposed access to the station lands from Conyngham Road frees up the area between the existing station building and the river. This creates a car-free terrace that marks the transition from the man-made, urban quay condition to a natural, planted riverside condition west of Heuston Station. Character/quality The River Terrace should provide external amenity space for the station services and circulation. Bars and cafes should be developed along the edge of the station onto the terrace. The space will be characterised by the views across and along the river. The movement of passengers from the West Terrace to the station concourse and Heuston Square might be accommodated along this space. A tall building is proposed to the west end of the River Terrace. The Terrace will create a lower forecourt to the building. Associated development The redevelopment of the northern edge of the station should provide restaurant, bar and retail facilities. The tall building should be accessed from the River Terrace and West Terrace. This will encourage movement in an eastwest direction through the River Terrace. Any development must allow for riverside walkways to continue on the south bank as far as Clancy barracks. a. existing view of River Terrace looking east b. view from Heuston Station lands to Sean Heuston Bridge c. view of Wellington Monument and Conyngham Road Bus Depot from existing River Terrace d. north side of Heuston Station buildng e. Viaduct des Artes, Paris, France f. canalside, Borneo Sporenburg, Amsterdam g. Brindley Place, Birmingham, England a. b. c. d. e. f. g. public spaces and associated development
4.4 Heuston Station Redevelopment of the station and adjoining public spaces (4) Heuston Station is the transport hub and focal space of the Heuston Gateway. In order to meet future demands and create an appropriate environment, the following proposals are put forward: redevelopment of station to allow greater capacity and efficiency reorganisation of external urban spaces around the station: West Terrace East Square River Terrace South Facade Building to the east of the space to be 6 storeys commercial with facade following the line of the pedestrian and cycle track. A section of this site onto Conyngham Road should have restricted height to avoid interrupting the significant view as indicated on plan. 4.5 Conyngham Road Public Space (5) A large public space is proposed on the Conyngham Road Bus Depot site. The space is effectively an extension of the West Terrace, acting as an intermediate space between the West Terrace and Phoenix Park. The space should be functional and active. Pedestrian access should be provided from the space down to the riverside walk on the North Bank. Character: The space should be active and carefully designed to allow safe and efficient flow of all modes of transport including pedestrians. The space will be at the same level as Conyngham Road and allow panoramic views over the river and Heuston Station lands to The Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The detailing, materials and planting should be consistent with the West Terrace. a. view to Conyngham Road Bus Depot from Heuston Station car park b. view of Conyngham Road Bus Depot from quays by Heustoin Station c. view of Guinness UDV Brewery from apartments on Conyngham Road d. view of IMMA at Royal Hospital Kilmainham from apartments on Conyngham Road Associated development: A mix of uses should be developed onto the space with building lines dictated by the new vehicular bridge and pedestrian route. Building to the west of the space onto the vehicular carriage ways to be 5 storeys residential and must not interrupt the significant view from The Royal Hospital Kilmainham to the Department of Defence Headquarters. a. b. c. d. public spaces and associated development
5.0 Building Heights and Views The western half of the CIE lands are within the significant view identified by the Heuston Station and Environs Regeneration Strategy and Development Framework Plan, from the Royal Hospital to the Phoenix Park. The lines of the significant view are taken from the west corner of the north range of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and east corner of the Deputy Master s House to the western side of the Magazine Fort and east edge of the main elevation of the Department of Defence Headquarters respectively. Therefore the east side of the West Terrace is not within the view. It is proposed that a tall and elegant building is constructed on the east side of the West Terrace. The West Terrace will provide a new platform for viewing the Phoenix Park, west city and Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The tall building addressing the space will locate the station from a distance. visual connections high buildings building heights and views
5.0 Building Heights and Views B section through west terrace looking east B1 section through Liffey Valley looking west a. view of Royal Hospital from Phoenix Park b. view of Royal Hospital rail bridge from Conyngham Road c. view of full north range of Royal Hospital from Conyngham Road d. Royal Hospital north facade e. view of Phoenix Park from Royal Hospital to west f. view of Phoenix Park from Royal Hospital to north-west g. view of Phoenix Park from Royal Hospital to north h. view of Phoenix Park from Royal Hospital to north-east A C B1 B a. b. c. d. heuston gateway: sections A B B1 C e. f. g. h. building heights and views
6.0 Connections In order to increase permeability through the site and connect with the wider city, the Development Framework Plan proposes a series of connections throughout the study area. 6.1 Pedestrian / Cycle route connecting Phoenix Park and IMMA The Phoenix Park and Royal Hospital Kilmainham Park have been separated since the construction of the Heuston Station in the mid 1800s. Consequently both parks have lost any direct connection to each other and with the river. Both parks also suffer from poor linkage to the city or public transport nodes. The construction of a pedestrian and a cycle link between the Phoenix Park and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham area will directly address the above issues. The overall configuration is proposed as an arch in plan as shown. The route is described from north to south. A new pedestrian and cycle entrance to the Phoenix Park should link the main axis (Chesterfield Avenue) to a new pedestrian and cycle crossing on Conyngham Road. The new crossing should link onto the south side of Conyngham Road and Parkgate St., and into the present Dublin Bus depot. New buildings should provide elevations onto the pedestrian/cycle link at this point. A new pedestrian/cycle bridge is proposed over the River Liffey linking onto the new West Terrace above the tracks. The pedestrian/cycle areas on the West Terrace are to be clearly defined and separated from vehicular areas. The route should be adjacent to, and dictate the line of the elevation of the tall building by the station and the new west elevation of the station. The route should cross St John s Road and follow the existing curve of Military Road. The height difference should be accommodated within the Eircom/OPW development. The route should link up to the junction with the entrance to IMMA and Irwin Street/ Bowbridge. The route should notionally continue west through IMMA to the Inchicore Road, Kilmainham Gaol and Memorial Gardens, or south to Kilmainham Village and James Street (linking with the existing steps at Cromwell s Quarters). east bound west bound access to lands pedestrian / cycle amenity connections
6.2 Pedestrian/cycle route from Victoria Quay to Memorial Gardens 6.5 Clancy Barracks / Heuston Station Lands to Phoenix Park The pedestrian and cycle route from Victoria Quay to Memorial Gardens / Islandbridge is part of a wider vision for a route on the South Bank of the river connecting Chapelizod to the Docklands. The CIE lands make up the largest section of this route. The route should have 2 distinct characters through the CIE lands; the River Terrace at the station and a Riverside Walk along the south bank of the river. The River Terrace is described in section 4.3. The new Riverside Walk should run below the new bridges through the area to the existing rail bridge. The route should respond to the more natural condition of the river in this area, and provide a relatively secluded amenity from the station to Clancy Barracks. 6.3 Eastbound traffic: St Johns Road (N4) to Conyngham Road Traffic from the N4 eastbound currently travels along St. John s Road, past the south façade and across the east façade of the station and the Frank Sherwin Bridge to the North Quays. It is proposed to disperse the traffic at a number of points to reduce loading around the station, across Heuston Square and on the North Quays. This is to be achieved by highlighting three locations for reaching the northside at: South Circular Road West Terrace Heuston Square Despite their proximity, Clancy Barricks and the Heuston Station Lands are relatively unconnected to the Phoenix Park. Where Sarah Bridge in the west and the proposed new bridge onto the West Terrace both provide north-south linkage. There is still an area that is not easily accessible from the park. However an existing iron railway bridge on the Phoenix Park line provides the opportunity for a pedestrian and cycle link, 'hanging' off the existing structure. This considerably improves the amenity provision to the Clancy Barricks and Heuston Station Lands, and provides direct linkage to major public transport services on Conyngham Road 6.6 Public Transport Connections: Bus The existing bus routes through the area should be maintained and increased. Buses should stop at various points in close proximity to the station and associated public spaces. Buses on Conyngham Road / Parkgate Street should have the option of a station drop-off on the West Terrace / Conyngham Road bus depot site or by the Hickeys site. The no. 90 bus running between Connolly station, the Quays and Heuston should have a dedicated lane allowing a right turn into Heuston Square, so relating the stop to the Luas. A new eastbound traffic ramp from St John s Road to the West Terrace is proposed. The road should continue into a new bridge across the river and onto Conyngham Road. 6.4 Clancy Barracks to Heuston Station Lands a. tram, Montpelier, France b. Luas, photomontage, Connolly Station, Dublin c. train station forecourt, Nordhausen, Germany d. bus on public space, Place des Terraux, Lyons, France At present Clancy Barracks and the Heuston Station Lands are cut off from each other and the general network of the city.when Heuston Station Lands are developed, it is proposed that a tunnel vehicular link is created using the height difference of the sites at the railway line. It is proposed that the Heuston Station Lands should be accessed from the new West Terrace. These links will help integrate both sites into the city fabric and increase accessibility. Adequate provision should be made for pedestrians and cyclists. a. b. c. d. connections
6.7 Public Transport Connections: LUAS The Luas stop on Heuston Square is on the Luas Line A, due for completion in 2003. The line runs between Tallaght and Abbey Street, with proposals to extend to 6.8 Public Transport Connections: Taxis The present taxi provision is a pick up area on the south façade of the station building directly on St. Johns Road, and a drop off in the area between the station and the river. Queuing is not sheltered and the environment is of a poor quality. It is proposed that the taxi rank is relocated to the West Terrace to create: a controlled, managed taxi rank away from a main thoroughfare with increased accommodation for taxis and customers. a sheltered waiting area directly accessible to the station. Taxis should be able to access to the West terrace from St. Johns Road eastbound and Conyngham Road in both directions. Egress will be possible onto Conyngham Road in both directions. 6.9 Private cars traffic on the quays by Heuston Station, summer 2002 The present provision for private cars to drop off and pick up is inadequate and unsustainable. It is proposed that the West Terrace should provide safe and ample provision for private cars away from a main road. Access and egress are as for taxis. The present access to the car park for the station is between the station and the river. With increased development on the site and the increased traffic congestion caused by Luas, the bridge from Conyngham Road to the West Terrace is essential to provide adequate access. Access to the ground level car park should be from the West Terrace. Pedestrian access to the station and river should be provided from the car park. connections
7.0 Sustainability Strategy The Development Framework Plan for the Heuston Gateway should incorporate a sustainability strategy for appropriate development. All developments should follow the basic guidelines and recommendations for sustainable urban design as described in this s e c t i o n. The sustainability strategy is in line with the National Sustainable Development Strategy of the Government of Ireland, The Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area (2000), DTO: A Platform for Change and the Dublin City Development Plan 1999. The aims of the sustainability strategy for the Heuston Gateway should be: create an appropriate balance between dense urban development and preservation or creation of green amenity areas to encourage development of high density mixed use areas for living and working to integrate large underused stakeholders sites into the urban grain of Dublin to reduce car dependency and provide efficient public transport to protect water quality and air quality to control noise pollution to manage waste and recycling to preserve natural landscapes and ecosystems to protect architecturally or historically significant structures The sustainability strategy is described in the areas of 1. Density and Mixed Use 2. Transport 3. Environmental Quality 4. Conservation with close proximity of housing, jobs, services and amenities. Development should create an attractive and vibrant environment that appeals to a wide range of people including the elderly and families. Mixed use areas should allow synergies to be developed between non residential uses. High density housing should be encouraged.housing design should address issues of: accessibility adaptability lifetime use energy use natural ventilation water conservation communal facilities waste management Building designs should be assessed using BREEAM assessment method of EcoHomes and materials specified using the BRE s Green Guide to Housing Specification. Social and affordable housing should be integrated into the development to encourage social heterogeneity. Private developers, local authorities, informed design teams and approved housing bodies should be encouraged to work together to provide appropriate standards in design, construction and provision. The complete environment of the housing should be fully designed and implemented. The developers should be encouraged to use new systems and techniques to allow greater output, higher standards and reduce site time. 7.1 density and mixed use The Development Framework Plan aims to reduce urban sprawl and expansion by: remodelling of public spaces and amenity development of vacant infill sites regeneration of industrial sites increased density This is in line with section 14.1.1 of the Dublin City Development Plan 1999, Managing Intensification and Change: A Strategy for Dublin Building Height, and the DOE Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density, 1999. social and affordable housing, Dublin [Urban Projects]; housing for elderly, Amsterdam [KCAP]; terraced housing, Rotterdam; housing, Helsinki [Arrak Architects] The Development Framework Plan promotes mixed use development housing, Dornbirn, Austria [Herman Kaufmann]; terraced housing and apartments, Rotterdam [KCAP] sustainability strategy
7.2 transport The Development Framework Plan aims to reduce dependency on the car and promote use of public transport, cycling and walking. The high density, mixed use developments proposed around the station will reduce distances travelled between home, workplace and services. Cars currently dominate the area creating a compromised environment due to: and noise pollution tiredness and stress danger of accidents visual disamenity occupied space car park, Heilbronn, Germany [Mahler Gunster Fuchs] cycle lane, Copenhagen pedestrian, Dublin Transport and parking policies should be designed to promote public transport use. Park and ride schemes at out of town locations should reduce the numbers of cars being brought into the city. Initiatives such as car-sharing should be investigated. New and improved public transport services should be introduced as necessary with well designed timetables and tariff structures, and increased safety and security. New services should be provided to help integrate and revitalise areas as necessary. The new streets should be designed to give less space to the car and increased space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Areas for different modes of transport should be clearly defined using materials and sectional changes. Cycling is a sustainable form of urban transport due to: quality of life and health issues independence, speed and versatility physical size of transport mode - low occupied space ability to integrate into all environments without dominating or causing an adverse impact Adequate provision of cycle tracks and parking should be provided. Initiatives such as bicycle loan schemes should be investigated. An appropriate balance between pedestrian and vehicular traffic should be created. Communal space in residential and commercial areas should be detailed to create pedestrian dominant areas with sustainability strategy
controlled access for cars. 7.3 environmental quality The strategy for maintaining a high quality and sustainable environment in the Heuston Gateway is described in terms of energy management, water management and green spaces. 7.3.1 energy management The developments in the Heuston Gateway should aim to reduce energy consumption by: high density development site design orientation to ensure optimum passive solar gain use of a rational energy supply and efficient use high levels of insulation and thermal capacity in building fabric Proposals for the Heuston Station lands should apply for grants and award schemes such as the House of Tomorrow Research, Development and Demonstration Programme (RD&D). This programme is administered by the Irish Energy Centre under the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme of the National Development Plan. Proposals of a significant scale are encouraged. Model projects for new build, refurbishment or retrofit of housing, demonstrating superior energy design and technology implementation in homes or groups of homes under real operating conditions with the potential for market influence and replication are suitable for consideration in this scheme. 7.3.2 water management Groundwater and surface water should be protected and waste water minimized. Diverting surface water to reservoirs within green spaces can have the following positive effects: improvement in air quality by helping evaporation and therefore increasing air humidity improvement in microclimate aiding slow soaking and restoration of natural water table improvement in social and visual amenity processes. Rainwater recovery systems should be used in all developments. The natural river banks along the Liffey and Cammock through the Heuston Gateway should be preserved or restructured as necessary. The Regeneration Strategy for the Heuston Gateway states that the contrasting conditions within the Heuston Gateway should be appropriately preserved and strengthened. The preservation of the contrast between natural riverbank conditions to the west of Heuston Station and the urban quay condition at Heuston Station and to the east is an essential aspect of this recommendation. 7.3.3 green spaces The Development Framework Plan for the Heuston Gateway promotes: preservation of open spaces protection of plant life biodiversity regeneration of river banks The provision of green spaces is considered essential for the following reasons: to increase air water content absorption of CO2 and release of O2 absorption of dust regulation and regeneration of natural water balance natural filtration of water absorption of sound positive physical and psychological effects provision of social and leisure space economic opportunities preservation of natural environment, wildlife and plant conservation Meadow areas in gardens and parks should be promoted to encourage a wide variety of wild flowers, grasses and wildlife. Courtyards and open spaces should be green and used for energy and water conservation, waste management and amenity. smart facades: offices, Athens [Meletitiki/A.N. Tombazis and Associates Architects Ltd] Flooding risk should be minimized by retaining permeable ground areas and improving surface drainage. It is essential to avoid loss of soil permeability by: maximising areas of green roofs use of permeable surfaces in car parks promotion of grassed areas in courtyards Rainwater collection can be an economical solution to applications such as toilet flushing, washing machines, cleaning and production rainwater recovery system: Potsdamer Platz, Berlin [masterplan, Renzo Piano] sustainability strategy
7.4 conservation The station building is a protected structure. The proposal retains the sandstone and brick buildings but suggests the removal of all internal cast iron structures as these are not architecturally significant, restrict sustainable and efficient development (number of platforms) and create a low quality environment in terms of light and space. The listed terrace on Conyngham Road should be restored and found an appropriate new use. Sean Heuston Bridge and Heuston Station sustainability strategy