Dublin rock band U2 is to get a new recording studio in Dublin's docklands, just around the corner from the one they were unable to save in January.
An architectural competition, to be announced by Bono and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority this morning, will detail plans to build a "landmark tower" on Britain Quay.
"The tower will include an extensive recording studio for the rockband U2," a spokeswoman for the DDDA said yesterday.
It would be on Britain Quay on Grand Canal Dock, she said. Britain Quay is around the corner from Hanover Quay, site of the band's former recording studio on which the DDDA had placed a compulsory purchase order in August last year. The authority planned to demolish the studio to make way for a walkway and public amenity.
U2 lodged four objections with An Bord Pleanála to the DDDA's plans to demolish their studio. The band, in its submission, said retention of their studio at Hanover Quay would "complement" the DDDA's objectives.
In January, however, An Bord Pleanála ruled the demolition of the studio was necessary for the renewal of the docklands.
During the hearing the band appeared to yield to the DDDA, hinting they would "definitely consider moving to somewhere in the vicinity should a suitable property be offered as an alternative".
A spokeswoman for the DDDA said last night that the site at Britain Quay was "definitely not a pay-off".
"We have been in discussion with the band for some time in an effort to keep them in the docklands area and this is the compromise that has been agreed by everyone," she said.
