A proposed €100 million redevelopment of the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre has sparked renewed opposition, with campaigners claiming the plans would strip the landmark building of its distinctive character.
The Save Stephen’s Green campaign has lodged a fresh appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanála, supported by more than 25,000 signatures gathered through an online petition. The appeal follows a recent decision by Dublin City Council to grant planning permission to developer DTDL Ltd for the controversial scheme.
Campaign representatives argue that the redesign fails to respect the building’s identity. In the submission, Yusuf Alraqi stated that “the proposed design for the redevelopment of the site not only shows no interest in preserving this character, but it has gone out of its way to erase the building’s character which is much-loved by Dubliners.”
The group also pointed to strong public opposition, noting that “public opinion has been overwhelmingly negative in relation to the proposed plan for the shopping centre, which despite its detractors has become an iconic landmark building in Dublin.”
The approved plans involve the demolition of significant portions of the existing structure, including its well-known glass dome. Critics argue that the project prioritises commercial expansion over heritage. Alraqi claimed that “the main driver for this project is the proposal of six storeys of offices,” describing it as “a gross overdevelopment” that would double the building’s internal floor area.
He further questioned the suitability of additional office space, stating: “We remain in a housing crisis while several football fields’ worth of office space lay vacant in Dublin, and it is the role of proper planning to ensure that Dublin does not repeat the mistake of allowing such projects which are based on short-sighted economic gains.”
The campaign also highlighted the architectural significance of the existing atrium, describing it as “one of the most impressive structures to experience in Dublin,” and noting its popularity with tourists.
While opposing the current proposal, campaigners say they are not against redevelopment in principle. Alraqi said the group “supports the principle to rejuvenate Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in a manner that can preserve a mix of businesses,” but criticised what he described as a lack of creativity in the design process.
He added that the term “rejuvenation” is misleading, arguing it “suggests that the building will be recognisable afterwards,” which campaigners believe will not be the case.
The Save Stephen’s Green campaign is also planning a public protest at the shopping centre on Saturday, May 9 at 1pm.
The deadline for submissions to An Coimisiún Pleanála is May 18, with a final decision on the redevelopment expected later this year.
