Sandyford: from €355,000: The first homes at the Rockbrook mixed-use development in Dublin 18 are launching from plans this week, writes Kate McMorrow
Sandyford in Dublin 18 is experiencing a renaissance as a residential location, as prime southside sites become more scarce. The Beacon hotel, clinic and apartments were trail-blazers in a transformation that is still at the starting gate.
The latest addition is Rockbrook, a major new €1 billion development overlooking the Luas stop at Blackthorn Drive which goes on sale from plans today. Hooke & MacDonald will be taking bookings for 70 apartments, with off-plans prices starting at €355,000 for a one-bed of 56-58sq m (600-620sq ft). Two-bedroom apartments of 70-85sq m (750-915sq ft) cost from €465,000. Three-beds with 89-100sq m (950-1,075sq ft) are priced from €625,000.
The new development is by Cork company Fleming Construction and designed by HKR architects. When completed, the former Allegro site will incorporate pedestrianised shopping avenues, offices and restaurants, with residential units overhead. Blocks will range from four to nine storeys high, with lower roof lines to the front to facilitate views. Fleming Construction has commissioned landscape designer Bernard Seymour to plant out communal spaces and these will be quite spectacular, says general manager Vincent O'Donovan. An urban park, water feature and civic plaza will be included.
Apartments will be larger than usual at Rockbrook and specification sounds impressive. Entrance and internal doors will be light oak and windows will be combination timber and aluminium. Hallways will be tiled in porcelain and sockets and switches will be chrome.Smart kitchens will include integrated AEG appliances, tiled floors and stone worktops. Appliances will include a fan oven, hob and extractor, fridge-freezer, combination microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer.
Bathrooms will come with porcelain floor tiling, shower screens, vanity units, mirrored cabinets, heated towel rails, chrome fittings and pine window finishes. Balconies and terraces will be decked, with glass sides and polished steel handrails. Recessed lighting is also planned and central heating will be gas. A total of 386 apartments are planned for the Rockbrook site. Completions for phase one are scheduled for the end of 2007. Fleming Construction has 31 years of experience in the Munster area and in the UK.Innovative pod technology was used during construction at Park View, Stepaside, Fleming's first foray into the Dublin market. Rooms built in their factory in Cork, were lowered into place on the site by a crane with a specially-designed frame.
