Clúid Housing has welcomed the first residents back to St Mary’s Mansions following the extensive redevelopment of the 70-year-old inner city flat complex. 

The project is the result of a three-year regeneration delivered in partnership with Dublin City Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC), the European Investment Bank (EIB), Ganson, the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and Inner City Organisations Network (ICON).

Innovative design

Building on the strong sense of community in the area, the redesign of St Mary’s Mansions has focused on the input of existing and new residents and a number of key features were specifically included to enhance overall quality of life.

These include communal social and play areas, a community room and socially aware landscaping. At the heart of the regenerated St Mary’s Mansions will be a central courtyard designed to support community activities.

Charlene Howe, whose family has lived in St Mary’s Mansions for many years, said: “Growing up in St Mary’s Mansions it was an open complex and it really had a good community spirit. Neighbours were close to each other so with the new development we wanted to keep the open balconies. It was really important being on board from day one.”

The scheme is accessed through a newly developed entrance on Gloucester Place Lower, resulting in improved security by reanimating a formerly underused space.

The introduction of a new lift and additional stairwells has improved access for all residents. The regeneration sees the introduction of more car and bike parking facilities and a secure, easily maintained bin store.

Sustainability

The BER (Building Energy Rating) in each apartment is now an impressive A. Combined with an affordable rent, the reduced fuel costs will help to combat fuel poverty among residents. Solar electricity which supplements demand across the development, further reduces living costs.

The use of cutting-edge insulation technology eliminates heat loss while a high efficiency gas fired centralised heating system provides heating and hot water on demand via monitored heat-units in each home.

Combined, the result is a super-efficient home with estimated total annual heating and hot water costs of about €300 per apartment.

Clúid Housing’s new business director, Fiona Cormican, said: “The regeneration of St Mary’s Mansions represents the beginning of a new chapter in the story of this part of the city. I have been involved with the community in Dublin’s northeast inner city for many, many years now and seeing our residents receive the keys to their new home here today is a truly incredible experience.

"The true significance of having our own place to call home, our own front door, has been highlighted during the recent COVID 19 emergency. Today, Clúid reaffirms its commitment to providing more homes to more people.

"We rely on partnerships to deliver quality housing and services to our residents. The regeneration of St Mary’s Mansions is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnerships between Clúid, the Department of Housing and Local Authorities like Dublin City Council.

"The regeneration of St Mary’s is so much more than a redevelopment of a building, it is the reinstatement of the proud community that has lived here for many generations.”

80 high-quality homes for the local community

St Mary’s Mansions was built by Dublin Corporation more than 70 years ago and has undergone a total refurbishment bringing it up to current standards.

The extensive works included the addition of two new floors to create 80 well-sized, high quality modern apartments and duplexes. The new homes are configured as one, two, three and four-bedroom homes.

Having worked with Clúid on the redesign of the scheme, more than 20 families have moved back into the scheme. The remainder of the new residents will come from Dublin City Council’s housing list.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is delighted to have worked in partnership with Clúid Housing and Dublin City Council on the regeneration of St Mary’s Mansions.

"This project has seen significant investment by the department, and I am delighted to be here today to witness people from the local community moving into their new home.

"Throughout the redevelopment of this housing scheme, Clúid has worked in close collaboration with both the returning residents and Dublin City Council to ensure the project was a success. It is clear to see that these high-quality homes will continue to foster a strong sense of community for generations to come.”

Financed through a combination of loans from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA), European Investment Bank (EIB) and financial support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Clúid invested a total of €23 million in the redeveloped scheme.

Inner city regeneration

The regeneration of St Mary’s Mansions was conceived as the first major redevelopment in the area following the publication of the Mulvey report in 2016 which highlighted the need for action to make the northeast inner city area a safe, attractive and vibrant living and working environment for the community and its families with opportunities for all to lead full lives.

Local area TD and Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe said: “Dublin’s northeast inner city has always been home to an incredibly strong community and the regeneration of St Mary’s Mansions is something the entire community can be proud of too.

"The residents returning to this complex have been actively involved in the redesign of these homes and the finished product is a welcoming, high quality housing development.

"I have no doubt that this will ensure the success of St Mary’s Mansions for many years to come. I commend Clúid Housing, Dublin City Council and all those involved in the regeneration of this scheme. This is an excellent example of partnership.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu said: “After an incredible redevelopment and significant investment, I am delighted to see this scheme completed and providing super-efficient homes to people on Dublin City Council’s housing list.

"Together with other local amenities here in the heart of the city, St Mary’s Mansions is a shining example of collaboration and partnership. I wish all the residents the very best of luck in their new homes for many years to come.”

Click here to find out more about the St Mary’s mansions regeneration.