Another prominent Dublin office block is to get a facelift. An Bord Pleanála has just given its approval for the redevelopment of Scotch House, a 1980s office block on Burgh Quay, near O'Connell Bridge, after an intriguing and lengthy planning process.

Irish developer Castlepark originally applied to Dublin City Council in June 2015 for permission to replace the dated red-brick external walls and small windows with an attractive glazed facade supported by vertical columns.

It also sought approval to add two additional penthouse floors and permission to redevelop much of the ground floor and basement level for retail use.

The city planners insisted on a redesign of the building to include both horizontal and vertical columns to provide a box effect. It also suggested that the two new penthouse floors should be set back.

Surprise approval

Castlepark complied with both recommendations and duly got planning permission in January 2016.

However, the amended design was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce and a private individual and, to the surprise of both the City Council and Castlepark, the appeals board opted for the original facade design and full-scale penthouses favoured by Castlepark.

Conor Whelan, of agents QRE, who is advising Castlepark, said they were "simply delighted" with the decision from An Bord Pleanála, superior to the one initiated by the city council.

Castlepark is now to spend in excess of €8 million on carrying out the changes to Scotch House which will have seven storeys over basement with an overall office capacity of over 3,716sq m (40,000sq ft) and 1,858sq m (2,000sq ft) of retail space.

QRE is quoting a rent of €592 per sq m (€55 per sq ft) for the office space which will be ready to move into before the end of 2017.

Twelve car parking spaces will rent at an additional €4,000 each.