SDCC Seeking dynamic partner for new development at Rathfarnham Castle

South Dublin County Council today announced they are seeking expressions of interest from businesses within the hospitality, food, retail and lifestyle sectors to work with the Council to create an exemplar development at Rathfarnham Castle and Park, which will play an important role as a key tourism and local destination amenity. The project offers a unique opportunity of working with the Council on the development of the state-of-the-art, mixed-use hospitality/retail/lifestyle offering while also helping to shape the vision for the development and bringing the concept to reality, which is unique in such a setting and sector.

Rathfarnham Castle is a popular visitor attraction in South Dublin. Four historic stable courtyards adjoin the Castle in a beautiful parkland setting. South Dublin County Council intends to develop two of these courtyards as a retail, food and leisure destination. The Council will design and construct a high-quality flexible building of architectural merit to an area up to 1,400 sq. metres, complete with outdoor courtyard areas. An extension to the current car parking provision will also be undertaken by South Dublin County Council

South Dublin County Council has committed to a significant investment in the provision of a new facility at this location that will deliver a high-quality experience which will serve to complement Rathfarnham Castle and Demesne as a key tourism and local amenity. Due to its incredibly close proximity to Rathfarnham Castle along with the 7-hectare public park and playground and Rathfarnham village, and being within touching distance of the evolving Dodder Greenway, South Dublin County Council are looking to compliment the overall heritage experience for the area with a partner business who will help progress and compliment the project.

The Council is looking for a business who, through requisite experience and capacity, will bring forward an exciting and diverse retail, lifestyle and hospitality proposal at this location. The business will design, fund and deliver the fit-out of the new building and its courtyards. The completed facility will operate under a lease or license to be agreed.

Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council said of the project:

We are looking to partner with a dynamic business, currently operating within the relevant sectors, which sees the unique opportunity to develop the offering at this high-quality location in the heart of Rathfarnham. Our partner will help refine our vision, including involvement in the design of the building and associated outdoor spaces  to bring this concept to reality.

The Castle Stables and Courtyard at Rathfarnham project is part of up to €50m of potential investment in tourism and development projects across South Dublin County until 2025 planned by South Dublin County Council.

With over 35,000 people living within 1km of the location, and the overall investment made by South Dublin County Council, we believe there is a significant opportunity here at Rathfarnham for the right business.

Lisney Estate Agents have been engaged by South Dublin County Council to help manage the three stage process which will begin with a selection criteria questionnaire/expression of interest. This will be followed by an invitation to participate in open dialogue before finishing with a final tender submission. Speaking about the project Emma Coffey, Director of Lisney said:

We are pleased to be advisers to SDCC in the selection of occupiers for this exciting and important Retail / F&B / Lifestyle initiative. It will become an important draw of custom to the village, the Castle, the Dodder Greenway, local shops and businesses, and an attraction for the catchment population and visitors alike. The adjoining roads carry large volumes of passing vehicular traffic to and from the city and the location offers easy access for public transport users, cyclists, and pedestrians.

 It is rare for retailers to have the opportunity to engage in the early stages of such an important project and for them to be able to influence the new structure and future use of the premises and existing courtyards.

 I have no doubt that the announcement of the development will be welcomed by existing businesses and Retail, Food and Beverage and Lifestyle operators who have long sought a retailing opportunity of significance in this busy area.

Interested parties are invited to submit a response to a selection criteria questionnaire via the e-tenders platform to be considered to participate in dialogue. The Selection Criteria Questionnaire will seek information on the interested party’s track-record of performance, financial capacity, and the technical resources to manage, and operate a viable commercial offering. The Council will then score the responses, with the top 3 scoring applicants invited to participate in a competitive dialogue process.

Full details on the terms and conditions on the development opportunity at The Castle Stables and Courtyard at Rathfarnham are available on www.sdcc.ie/courtyards