Thursday September 03, 2020: Diageo has today announced that it has chosen Ballymore as its partner to deliver the transformation of 12.6 acres of its iconic St. James’s Gate site into one of the most dynamic urban quarters in Europe. Ballymore is a developer with vast and varied experience, notably in established and historic cityscapes like Old Spitalfields Market in the City of London.
Diageo and Ballymore will work together on a shared vision for the Guinness Quarter that will preserve the heritage assets and create an inspiring urban neighbourhood that will open up the historic St James’s Gate site to the people of Dublin and beyond. Diageo and Ballymore aim to develop the Guinness Quarter as the first Zero Carbon District in Dublin. This will involve re-using some of the existing buildings as well as examining all available renewable energy sources and how zero energy ratings can be met.
The Guinness Quarter will spread the heart and soul of Guinness across Dublin and beyond –with a seamless union of residential living, community, entrepreneurship, creativity, sustainability, commerce, culture and generous new public space. It is envisaged that the Guinness Quarter will include new public spaces as the gates are opened to Dublin and the world. This regeneration will reshape and extend the heart of the south inner city, and act as a catalyst for the further regeneration of the wider Liberties area, and Dublin as a whole.
Ballymore was selected following a rigorous and thorough search by Diageo since the autumn of 2017. The selection process evaluated potential partners on the basis of their ability to deliver against Diageo’s vision to open up a portion of the historic brewery site, using new and existing buildings to create a dynamic mixed-use urban quarter that will include residential, office, cultural and commercial spaces, fully integrated into the wider Liberties area.
Extensive engagement activity with the local community and other stakeholders will continue in the time ahead as Diageo and Ballymore develop a masterplan for the Guinness Quarter ahead of a planning application. In 2017, Diageo ran “Conversations at the Gate”, inviting interested stakeholders to discuss possibilities and ideas for the future of the St. James’s Gate site. This feedback informed and guided the developer selection process.
Managing Director of Diageo Ireland, Oliver Loomes said: “St. James’s Gate is a unique and extraordinary place. We are committed to a long-term sustainable future for the site and are delighted to be moving closer to our vision of opening streets, creating spaces and generating opportunity in the Guinness Quarter. As we move into the next chapter of this 261-year-old brewery, we are very excited about the possibilities of creating a quarter that will form part of the fabric of the city for generations to come. Since our announcement in 2017 we have been committed to doing it right and know that Ballymore share our vision for the future of the site. We look forward to partnering with them on this exciting project. Our ambition is also to work with the Iveagh Trust, one of Dublin’s largest social housing providers, as a partner in this project.”
Mr Loomes added: “I would like to thank those who took part in the selection process for devoting their time and energy to this project. Diageo will continue to be present in the area as our Irish headquarters will be located at St. James’s Gate, alongside our brewery, the new Roe & Co distillery, the Guinness Storehouse and the Open Gate Brewery. This demonstrates our confidence and commitment to the Guinness Quarter.”
Chairman and Chief Executive of Ballymore Sean Mulryan said, “We are truly honoured to have been chosen as Diageo’s development partner for the Guinness Quarter. With 40 years of experience in delivering complex urban regeneration sites, in city centre locations across Europe, we are confident we have the team to deliver. I am looking forward to leading the team in bringing this special place to life.
“It is unusual for a beer to mean so much to so many, but Guinness has become far more than a brand. It has become a symbol for Ireland: an icon of heritage for people all over the world. St James’s Gate has over 260 years of history, and so, we have a unique responsibility to ensure that when that famous gate opens, it opens to a place synonymous with good times and memorable experiences.
“Working together, Diageo, Ballymore, the local community and Dublin City Council, we will establish a new part of Dublin City for future generations, that supports Ireland’s growth economically, socially, and culturally.”