Dublin city council has given approval for the demolition of Hawkins House, widely regarded as one of the ugliest buildings in the capital.
The property, which houses the Department of Health on Poolbeg Street, is set to be knocked down as part of a major regeneration project which includes a new office block to be constructed on the adjoining Apollo House site.
The decision paves the way for a new commercial office building of between six to ten storeys to be built on the Hawkins House site. The building will be of similar height to Hawkins House, but will have about 50 per cent extra floor space.
The 400 staff working in the Department of Health are expected to move to the former Bank of Ireland headquarters on Baggot Street.
Under the conditions of the deal, the Office of Public Works, which owns Hawkins House, is required to make a contribution of over €358,700 to the council towards the cost of public infrastructure and other facilities in the area.
Advertisement
Hawkins House, a 12-storey grey concrete building, was built in 1962, replacing much-loved Theatre Royal. The upper level, which includes a penthouse apartment, has been unoccupied for some time.
Commenting on the shabby condition of the property, one former health minister remarked that half the windows wouldn’t open, while the other half wouldn’t close.
The demolition of both Hawkins House and Apollo House is part of a €50 million regeneration project for the block bounded by Poolbeg Street, Tara Street, Townsend Street and Hawkins Street. It will create a new office quarter incorporating shops, restaurants, a public plaza and a new diagonal pedestrian street.