Dublin 11: Kate McMorrow visits a new development 2.5 miles from the city centre that should appeal to investors and first-time buyers
Anyone in the market for an apartment a cycle ride from O'Connell Street would do well to check out Premier Square, a new development being built on the old Premier Dairies site off Finglas Road in Dublin 11.
Older readers will remember previous incumbents Merville Dairies whose ice cream was sold by bicycle vendors all over town.
Prices start at €245,000 for 51 sq m (550 sq ft) one-bedroom apartments and €275,000 for 70 sq m (750 sq ft) two-bedroom apartments. Two three-bedroom penthouses of 91 sq m (980 sq ft) -plus cost €350,000 and €370,000.
Bicycle sheds are provided for those hardy enough to cycle the 2.5 miles to the city and a bus corridor (QBC) runs outside the development's gates.
With their great location, decent balconies and good-sized bright rooms, these units seem an excellent first-time or investor buy.
New residents - a mix of first-time buyers, downsizers and investors - have already moved into the first three blocks, which sold out from plans in the initial launch.
Hooke & MacDonald is taking bookings for the next phase of 20 one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom penthouses. Show units open at noon today.
Woodgreen Builders has an established reputation in the north inner city area, with Crossguns Quay in Phibsborough and Palatine Square, Arbour Hill among the best-known developments in its portfolio.
This is a large site, with 338 apartments distributed among 12 blocks. The plot's elongated site will be fully landscaped, with the steep rear bank fully planted and secured by the landscapers. Free underground parking leaves the surface clear for guest parking.
A residents gymnasium and launderette will be incorporated into the development. An application is under consideration at the northern end of the site for a supermarket, believed to be an Aldi grocery outlet.
Exteriors of red brick and render with steel-framed balconies strike a contemporary note.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in all apartments maximise the city and mountain views, especially on upper floors, providing good natural light.
Penthouses with good decked terraces at €350,000 and €370,000 are likely to be the first to go.
Throughout the development good natural light from tall windows is immediately evident. Room sizes are not scrimped and all bedrooms come with fitted wardrobes. Two-bedroom units have a large sittingroom with a decked terrace/balcony and compact kitchen off.
Appliances are not included, but integrated units are supplied. The fireplace allowance will go some way towards the cost of a fireplace of choice.
There is one double bedroom and a large single room which would fit a double bed at a squeeze.
Again, a typical three-bedroom apartment has a good-sized sittingroom with decked balcony off. The kitchen is much larger, with room for a breakfast table.
There are two double bedrooms and one single, with a decent-sized en suite shower room off the main bedroom.
Wall tiling is standard in kitchens and bathrooms and interiors are painted in a neutral colour.
Because the heights of the blocks are graded - four-storey to the front and seven-storey to the rear - all penthouses and upper floor apartments will enjoy good views over the city. Penthouses come with wrap-around decked balconies entered from several rooms.
Annual service charges are set at €875 for one-beds, €1,035 for two-beds and €1,155 for three-beds. This phase is expected to be ready to move into by September/October 2004.
