B B1 A B1 B C A heuston gateway: sections B B1 C 117
4.3.3 Zoning The station is the central hub of the area and this function must be preserved and developed. However large areas of the Heuston Station lands are underused and should be integrated into the city fabric. The Conyngham Road Bus Depot should be relocated and the site developed along with the Heuston Station lands. The arc of the proposed pedestrian / cycle route effectively defines the gateway to the city and development adjacent to this line should have a high profile and high standard of architectural design. Sites to the west should generally be of lower density. The present zoning of the Heuston Station lands is Z6, to provide for the creation and protection of enterprise and facilitate opportunities for employment creation. The predominant proposed uses, offices and hotel, are permissible uses. Residential is open for consideration. An area of recreational amenity (Z9) is shown along the river. The bus depot site is presently zoned Z1. Office use is therefore not a permissable use although enterprise, light industry, retail and cultural uses are permitted. It is proposed that the zoning objectives are reviewed. Lands adjacent the arc of the proposed pedestrian and cycle route should be designated as Z5, to consolidate and facilitate the development of the central area, and to identify, reinforce, strengthen and protect its civic design character and dignity. This reflects the civic importance of these sites. Lands in the western section of the site and required for use by the station should remain Z6. Part of the lands to the west of the new road on Site 1 should become Z5, to provide for and improve mixed-services facilities. The areas of recreational amenity (Z9) should be retained and extended to include the public space of the West Terrace. present zoning: CIE lands The station lands should be accessed by a new bridge over the river from the Conyngham Road site. The proposed pedestrian / cycle route links the Phoenix Park with the south city and Royal Hospital Kilmainham, defining the city centre elevation to the west. An additional pedestrian bridge from the Heuston Station Lands / Clancy Barracks, should be hung from the existing rail bridge. proposed zoning: CIE lands stakeholders urbanprojects 118
4.3.4 Conservation The station building is a protected structure. The proposal retains the sandstone building but suggests the possible 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 119
4.3.5 Connections The CIE site is an integral part of the following connections through the Heuston Gateway as described in section 3.2: 5. 1. 6. 2. 3. 4. Pedestrian / Cycle route connecting Phoenix Park and IMMA The Phoenix Park and the gardens of IMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham have been separated since the construction of 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, despite their proximity to Heuston Station. The largest section of the pedestrian / cycle route connecting the parks should be accommodated on CIE lands: (Please refer to section 3.2.1.1) The pedestrian/cycle route from Victoria Quay to Memorial Gardens 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 3.1.3. 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 linking the station to Clancy Barracks. Please refer to section 3.2.1.3. Traffic link: St John s Road (N4) to Conyngham Road This is a new route proposed to reduce traffic considerably on Heuston Square in front of Heuston Station and provide access to the CIE lands from the west and north. (Please refer to section 3.2.2.1.) Public Transport Connections: Bus Bus connections to the station lands should be improved, principally by providing stops directly onto the West Terrace for routes along Conyngham Road / North Quays. A bus connection through the station lands and Clancy might be examined in the future. 7. Public Transport Connections: Taxis It is proposed that the taxi rank is relocated to the West Terrace. (Please refer to section 3.2.2.5.) Private cars It is proposed that the West Terrace should provide safe and ample provision for drop-off / pick-up 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 a bridge from Conyngham Road to the West Terrace is necessary to provide adequate access. Therefore access to the ground level car park should be off the West Terrace. Pedestrian access to the Station/ River should be provided from the car park. Please refer to section 3.2.2.6. Clancy Barracks to Heuston Station Lands: At present Clancy Barracks and the Heuston Station Lands are cut off from each other and the general network of the city. 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. east bound west bound access to lands pedestrian / cycle amenity stakeholders urbanprojects 120
4.3.6 Conclusions The development of the CIE Lands is critical to the overall development of the Heuston Station Environs. The advantages to the CIE, the city and nation are summarised below: 1. The lands represent significant development potential for a mix of uses. 2. The current access is not adequate in light of future increased loading on station and introduction of LUAS 3. Without new infrastructure and a reorganisation of the adjoining spaces, the station will be unable to function efficiently and the lands development potential will not be realised. 4. New infrastructure on the lands is critical to the development of the wider area, and will greatly benefit adjoining stakeholders who will be required to contribute to the costs by levies. Neighbouring stakeholders will contribute significantly to costs via a system of levies. 5. The proposals will provide infrastructure and public space to allow the station to function efficiently 121
stakeholders urbanprojects 122
4.4 Department of Defence: Clancy Barracks site area (sq.m): CLA area: 55 482 CIE area A 8 959 CIE area B 5 298 total 69 739 Gross floor area (sq.m): CLA area residential 43 255 (77%) commercial 12 635 (33%) total 55 890 CIE area A residential 0 (0%) commercial 23 710 (100%) total 23 710 CIE area B residential 6 930 (97%) commercial 200 (3%) total 86 730 plot ratio: 1.2:1 site coverage: 34% present zoning: Z1 proposed zoning Z1 / Z9 The Clancy Barracks site is substantial in size and represents an opportunity for immediate redevelopment. It has a strategic location within the study area and forms the western boundary. Within the context of the city it has high profile and is a well-known landmark. The site s eastern boundary fronts onto the Heuston Station lands. Clancy Barracks is on the south side of the River Liffey beside Sarah Bridge. The site was until recently used as a military barracks and is fully enclosed and secure with one principal entrance. Lands in CIE ownership between Clancy Barracks and the railway tracks should be developed along with Clancy to significantly increase gross development capacity and ensure a sustainable and efficient use of land. The site can be divided into 3 distinct zones: Heuston Gateway: stakeholders: Clancy Barracks (and CIE lands) 123