Docklands Strategic Development Zone

The Docklands Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) is a regeneration area in Dublin, Ireland's docklands and redundant port areas, located east of the city centre on both sides of the River Liffey in North Lotts (in North Wall) and Grand Canal Dock.

On 18 December 2012, the Government of Ireland designated the two areas a Strategic Development Zone pursuant to its powers under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (the 2000 Act). This was the first step in establishing a new framework to facilitate development in these areas. It replaced the regime overseen by the soon to be dissolved Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA).

On 16 May 2014 An Bord Pleanala approved the making of a planning scheme for the area subject to modifications as set out in its decision. Under the scheme, some 366,000 square metres of office space and 2,600 homes will be developed across 22 hectares of land in the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock.

In the North Lotts area, the new hubs will be at Spencer Dock and the Point Village. South of the river, the replacement for the U2 Tower will anchor another hub, while two more hubs will be clustered around Barrow Street including the Boland's Mill site, and Grand Canal Square.

Two landmark buildings up to 22 storeys (88m) are allowed, but most development will be eight-storeys high. SDZ status means that projects can be fast-tracked through planning, subject to criteria. NAMA plans to invest €2bn in new projects over the coming years, and is a key landholder across the Docklands including sites previously controlled by Treasury Holdings, developer Harry Crosbie and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

...
Wikipedia