McKillens seek land swap with Blackrock bowling club

Blackrock Bowling and Tennis Club, one of Dublin’s oldest bowling clubs, has been approached to swap its 108-year-old grounds for a five-acre site beside Booterstown marsh. The club has established a committee to look into the expression of interest which was issued in recent weeks by solicitors for Soundwave, a company owned by the McKillen property development family.

The outline proposal suggests moving the bowling and tennis club from its current location in a residential area on just under three acres on Green Road in Blackrock, and building a purpose-built sport facility for the 700-member club to include six tennis courts (two indoor), a bowling green and a new clubhouse. The proposed site is located between the Swift Call Centre on the Rock Road and Booterstown marsh, a Special Area of Conservation owned by An Taisce.

The site on about six acres was purchased in September by McKillen’s company Soundwave, with zoning for sports/ recreational use for around €1 million. Blackrock Bowling and Tennis Club has residential – rather than recreational – zoning which would explain its attractiveness as a potential site for development. The area around Green Road and nearby Waltham Terrace has seen property prices soar by more than 30 per cent in the past year.

The committee is scheduled to report to members in December, but for the deal to proceed a substantial cash offer would be expected. Current estimates value the site between €5 million and €7 million.

A proposed move from the current site would be difficult to get past members. Access issues from the busy Rock Road, and also the proximity to the sea and marsh at Booterstown would have implications for grounds maintenance and playing conditions.

Paddy McKillen Jr told The Irish Times the idea was still at the exploratory stage. The Bowling and Tennis Club at Booterstown is just one idea, while wider plans are being considered for the remaining land. The Soundwave venture is separate to the Press Up Entertainment Group McKillen Jr owns with Matt Ryan. A statement issued from Paddy McKillen senior said: "We appreciate that this site is very special and ultra sensitive. We will work with neighbours and local groups as well as every agency and authority to see if something very interesting, cultural and architectural could be realised there".

In France, McKillen has transformed the Chateau la Coste vineyard and estate he bought in Provence in 2002 to a cultural destination featuring works by leading global architects, sculptors and artists.

The land at Booterstown was formerly owned by developer Bernard McNamara for use as a helicopter pad, though he was prevented from doing so because of its sensitive location next to the marsh. The proposal is reminiscent of another high-profile land swap in 2002 when developers Cosgraves agreed with Dun Laoghaire Golf Club to give the members €20 million in cash and a new club in Rathmichael, Co Wicklow in return for the 78-acre site.