Showhomes will go on view today for the first phase of a new development of 72 townhouses and apartments in Finglas village, Dublin 11. Location and convenience to amenities will be big selling features at Heath Square, where prices will start at £159,950 for two-bedroom apartments.
Finglas is now a very mature suburb on Dublin's northside and is becoming a popular location for first-time buyers. Shopping facilities in the village are well developed, along with leisure and sporting amenities. Transport infrastructure has received a boost in recent times, and the opening of a Quality Bus Corridor between Finglas village and the city centre has greatly reduced commuting time. Finglas Village is only a few minutes' drive from the M50.
Heath Square is located between McKee Avenue and North Road, with the main entrance at McKee Avenue. There are 72 residential units with 30 two-bedroom townhouses at £169,950, eight three bedroom end-of-terrace houses at £199,950, 17 three-bedroom duplex units at £174,950, and 17 two-bedroom apartments at £159,950. Most of the units have direct road access. Albion Enterprises, whose previous developments include Belmont Hall on Gardiner Street, and Temple Hall on Parnell Street, are the developers with Hooke & MacDonald as the selling agents.
The development is set around a landscaped courtyard on a raised deck area. A rose garden with cream and red roses will be the central focus along with a chained tent feature, similar to one in the nearby National Botanic Gardens. Underground parking is available on site, and every unit will be allocated a parking space.
Heath Square takes it's name from Lady Heath, one of Ireland's pioneering aviators in the 1930s, who flew her aircraft out of Kildonan Aerodrome in Finglas, the first civil aerodrome in the state.
The spacious living area is the most attractive feature of the new homes. The livingroom in the 1,325 sq ft three-bedroom duplex unit is particularly large. The room is complimented by patio doors leading out on to a terrace balcony. Upstairs, the main bedroom is also quite large and covers the width of the house, with en suite bathroom and fitted wardrobes. There are two other large bedrooms.
The townhouses all have gardens, with patio doors from the sittingroom on to a small paved area. There are eight three-bedroom end-of-terrace townhouses with 1,150 sq ft of space. A Shaker-style kitchen, which is standard in all units, leads from the hall at the front of the house. The living area at the back of the house is bright and cheerful with an ornate fireplace and patio doors on to the garden.
Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, all with fitted wardrobes. The main bedroom is en suite. The second bedroom is double, and then there is a large single room. A mosaic bathroom wall tiling is standard throughout, along with Velux windows.
The two-bedroom townhouse, with a floor area of 800 sq ft, has fairly similar features. Upstairs, there are two large bedrooms, with the main one having an en suite bathroom.
The two bedroom apartments with 750 sq ft are located on the ground floor of the duplex units and all have direct access from the courtyard. There is a small kitchen, livingroom and bedrooms that face on to the road.
Booking deposit is £2,000 with a further £7,000 payable three weeks later on signing of contracts, and the balance on completion. The units are expected to be ready for occupation from November to next spring. All units qualify for the £3,000 first-time buyers' grant with stamp duty exemption for owner occupiers.
