One of Dublin's landmark art deco buildings, the Bord Gais Eireann premises at D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, is due to be sold later this year following the decision to relocate to a new £12 million headquarters which is under construction in the north inner city.
The D'Olier Street property is likely to be of interest to a considerable number of investors because of the range of uses for which it would be suitable, including retail, offices, bar and hotel.
Although estate agents GVA Donal O Buachalla (advisers to Bord Gais) will not be providing a guide price for the buildings until they go on the market, other valuers estimate that the selling price will be in excess of £8 million.
The main building includes 8,000 sq ft of showrooms, part of them double height with an atrium. There are also 32,000 sq ft of offices on two overhead floors and along a narrow lane known as Leinster Market. Part of the office space is also located in a Tudor-style building fronting on to Hawkins Street.
The D'Olier Street building has been occupied by a gas company since 1895. It was taken over at that time by the Alliance and Dublin Gas Company which redeveloped it in 1929 and gave it its art deco style. The buildings along Hawkins Street were upgraded in 1989 and include internal parking for eight cars.
The complex is likely to be of interest to property developer John Byrne who has office blocks on either side - O'Connell Bridge House and D'Olier House. The 10-storey O'Connell Bridge House is currently being fitted with a new facade and is being extensively refurbished following a decision by the OPW not to renew its lease.
Bord Gais Eireann is due to move in March of next year to a new four-storey over basement block on the site of the old Macushla ballroom at Foley Street. The 30,000 sq ft building is being developed by a three member consortium headed by businessman Eddie McGovern. Austin McMahon of Allen & Townsend negotiated the sale for the consortium while Con Cronin of O Buachalla acted for Bord Gais Eireann.
Designed by architect Jason Tyler of Laughton Tyler, the building will be located in a key position in the newly designated North East Inner City Development Area. The scheme will also include 11 apartments.
