Dublin 15: from €249,000: Apartments at Ballymore's Royal Canal Park development in Dublin 15 go on sale today with the Hooke & MacDonald agency.
Prices are keen and finish is exceptionally high at this contemporary scheme, which has all the hallmarks of Ballymore's international profile.
A new suburb is springing up along the Royal Canal, on a tract of land stretching from Ashtown to the hinterland of Cabra. The land is bordered by the River Tolka to the north, the Royal Canal to the south and Ashtown to the west.
Ballymore's section has a smart European city look, immaculately kept and landscaped, with roads finished and ongoing construction disturbance well away from areas where residents have moved in.
Buses run to the city centre from the development's main thoroughfare and one of two commuter rail stations is in operation. A residents gym and 24-hour concierge office are open for business, while shops and a crèche are out for tender.
Fifty apartments are on release in this phase of Royal Canal Park. Prices start at €249,000 for one-bedroom apartments of 45sq m (484sq ft). Two-beds of 70sq m (750sq ft) start at €330,000 and three-bedroom units of 90sq m (968sq ft) cost from €385,000.
The price includes a very high spec finish, comparable to Ballymore's London projects. Sleek five and six-storey blocks have extensive glass, with steel and glass balcony walls and zinc roofs. Buildings are arranged so there are just two apartments to each landing.
Living areas are open-plan, with sitting areas opening to a decked balcony or terrace. Kitchens come with walnut and white gloss kitchen units with mirrored splashbacks and a full range of integrated appliances. A matching breakfast bar is an optional extra worth going for.
Bathrooms and en suites are impressive, with walnut shelves, limestone tiling and shower screens (although the show unit version is a more expensive option). Hallways, kitchens and bathrooms are fitted with halogen downlighters, while satellite TV and phone points are in living and bedroom areas.
Most two-bedroom and all three-bedroom apartments have good-sized en suites off the main bedroom, fitted out to the same standard as the family bathroom. Fitted wardrobes are also standard, with an optional upgrade available if required.
The grounds at Royal Canal Park are maturing well in completed areas, with a linear park and jogging track along the canal well-used by residents.
Architects CZWG, McCrossan O'Rourke Manning and Murray O'Laoire devised the plans for this huge project, which will transform the Tolka and Royal Canal areas. When completed, the 40-acre site will contain around 1,200 apartments and townhouses and a full complement of facilities, including transport, a crèche, convenience stores and cafés.
Completions in this phase are expected to be within 18 months, according to the selling agent. Viewing extends from today until Sunday.
