Kilmainham: from €255,000There's a treat in store for homebuyers who go to look at the plans for an apartment development on the grounds of the former Nestlé factory in Dublin 8. Property Editor Orna Mulcahy reports
Another slice of old Dublin disappeared recently with the demolition of the Nestlé factory at Kilmainham in Dublin 8 and today househunters will be treated to bars of chocolate as they browse through brochures for a soaring new scheme on the site - the Old Chocolate Factory apartments.
Work is underway on a new development of 210 apartments being built by Galway developer John Lally who bought the factory site last year for €25 million. It's on the South Circular Road close to the Royal Hospital and Kilmainham Gaol.
The apartments are being launched from plans today through joint agents Gunne New Homes, where Shane Daly is handling enquiries, and Hooke & MacDonald, where Mark Dunne is looking after sales.
Prices range from €255,000 for one-bedroom units to €390,000 for large three-bedroom apartments in the scheme designed by Anthony Reddy & Associates.
The complex, which will range in height from four to nine storeys, will include a four-star hotel, a large office complex and a retail element, such as a convenience store.
Residents of the Old Chocolate Factory will have the use of a leisure centre to be built in the hotel which certainly broadens the appeal for buyers.
Just 50 units are being released for sale at this stage of the development, the majority of them two-bedroom. Thirteen one-bedroom apartments with floor areas of 44-54 sq m (475-581 sq ft) are available priced between €255,000 and €290,000; Twenty-seven two-bedroom units with floor areas of between 62-77 sq m (655-830 sq ft) are priced from €330,000-€410,000 while 10 three-bedroom units of between 81-104 sq m (87-1,1,20 sq ft) cost from €390,000-€450,000.
Secure parking is available with each unit, though the price has not yet been set for the spaces.
Apartment types will vary in size and orientation, but there are some interesting features that come as standard. Two and three-bedroom units each come with utility rooms, while bathrooms and en suites throughout the scheme have underfloor heating.
As with most new apartment developments in the city, the emphasis here is on clean contemporary interiors aimed at urban first- time buyers. The apartments will be built around a large central courtyard garden and many of the units will have spacious balconies. Living areas will benefit from floor-to-ceiling windows and patio doors to maximise light.
Kitchens will be fitted with quality units with granite worktops as standard.
Mr Lally's company, Lalco, has completed a number of high profile residential and commercial schemes in Dublin including Booterstown Hall, a smart apartment and office complex overlooking the sea, on Booterstown Avenue, and South Bank Quay, also an office and residential development, on Thorncastle Street in Dublin 4.
