McKillen and Drayne revive plans for D2 apartments

Businessman and property developer Paddy McKillen and his business partner Padraig Drayne, have revived 14-year-old plans for a new residential development in Dublin 2.

Broadfield Development, a company owned by McKillen and Drayne, sought planning permission last week for existing commercial buildings at Pembroke Row, 5/5A Lad Lane and part of 8/9 Hagan's Court to be demolished and replaced with a new six-storey building, which will house 20 apartments, complete with communal roof garden and a 370sq m restaurant at ground floor.

The site does not include the accountancy and legal school at 5 Lad Lane. The proposed block will consist of four one-bed, 12 two-bed and four three-bed units, and will feature 28 parking spaces and 32 bicycle spaces at basement level.

In addition to the new apartment block, it is envisaged that five two-storey mews houses, each with individual rear gardens, are to be constructed, along with a three-storey one-bed house.

The site is very conveniently located a short distance from Baggot Street Bridge and in close proximity to a number of major employers, including LinkedIn, whose new headquarters, currently under construction, are situated mere metres away.

Upmarket development

The duo sought to obtain planning permission for the site as far back as 1999, and last applied for permission for a residential development in 2003, which was refused. Much of the site is currently occupied by a large warehouse, and according to the commercial rents register, a lease was taken out in relation to the complex in 2015 worth €95,200 per annum that is set to run until June 2018.

Elsewhere, Mr Drayne has further plans for another boutique development in the upmarket suburb of Malahide. His company, UK-based Apamore Services, acquired a site named St Michael's on Gas Yard Lane, which is located in the heart of Malahide village.

The 0.25 acre site was recently marketed on behalf of a receiver by agents QRE, with a guide price of €950,000. If granted planning permission, the proposed scheme would comprise six spacious one-bedroom apartments (60-70sq m apiece) and 17 two-bedroom units (73-85sq m apiece), spread across five levels. Twenty-one car park spaces and 36 bicycle spaces are to be provided, although it is likely that many future residents will make use of the nearby Dart station for Dublin City commuting.