February 12, 2026 News
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News · February 12, 2026
Grow College Green: Reimagining the historic heart of Dublin
We’re delighted to share the pre-planning design for Dublin City Council’s Grow College Green, the flagship project that reimagines the historic heart of Dublin as a world-class, people-first public realm!
Grow College Green is being led by Dublin City Council in partnership with the National Transport Authority, supported by a multi-disciplinary design team headed by Irish architects Scott Tallon Walker Architects and OKRA, urban design and landscape architects from the Netherlands, along with specialists in planning, lighting, heritage, accessibility and community engagement. The project’s mission is to shape the capital city as a destination for everyone, not only a place to shop, work, gather and celebrate, but also a space to pause, breathe and connect.
A world-class public space that celebrates heritage and identity
Historic layers have informed and inspired the design through subtle pavement patterns, historic materials and improved views to reveal its heritage and restore a powerful sense of arrival and civic identity
Three pillars that guide the project
(1) Our design creates a liveable and vibrant city that feels inviting and comfortable to unwind, meet and enjoy everyday moments, encouraging culture, conversation and connection from morning through evening.
A place to pause, breathe and connect, where green edges, generous planting and comfortable seating encourage calm moments, vibrant social activity and everyday gatherings
(2) It prioritises a connected and accessible city with calmer, safer routes for walking and cycling, as well as intuitive and independently navigable streets linking seamlessly with public transport and nearby neighbourhoods, simplifying movement in an inclusive, comfortable and user-friendly experience.
Movement, connection and accessibility as a priority, where clearer routes, better crossings, sensory cues, and tactile materials support confidence and independence for people of all ages and abilities
(3) At the same time, it builds a resilient and healthy city through climate-responsive design that limits heat build-up, manages rainwater, reduces noise, improves air quality, supports biodiversity and brings nature into Dublin’s historic character, adapting to future climate challenges while supporting wellbeing.
Nature-based drainage and rainwater management capture, store and clean water, reducing flooding while supporting long-term climate resilience in both drought and storm conditions
Sustainability sits at the heart of the redesign, with more trees, shade, climate-resilient planting, new urban biotopes, and increased biodiversity, creating a healthier, greener space equipped for warmer summers
“From the outset, our ambition has been to create a city centre that works better for everyone, a place that is safer, greener, and more accessible, a space that feels good to spend time in. Informed by users of the city, this project will transform how people experience the heart of the city. It will deliver wider, clearer and more legible routes for moving through the area, linking the north and south of the city centre along the civic spine; greener, more tranquil spaces to spend time; and a setting that supports everything from everyday activity to cultural events and major civic moments.”
— Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council
Built with the city and for the city
We developed this design with extensive public participation and ongoing conversation, engaging local businesses, residents, students, and community groups to shape a city centre for everyone.
Across the project area, our updated design for Grow College Green is built around what people want from the heart of their city, adapting to both the energetic and quieter rhythms of the day.
A rhythm of green spaces and active places
“This project unlocks incredible opportunities for Dublin and its people while weaving in nature-based climate‑adaptation strategies. I’m truly excited to see this proposal transform such a valuable, heritage‑rich public space with new energy, resilience, and lush greenery!”
— Rapa Surajaras, Senior Landscape Designer, OKRA
Dublin City Council is now inviting public feedback and submissions will be accepted until 11th March 2026. Guided by feedback from this public consultation, we’re excited to shape the final design and take Grow College Green into the planning stage by summer this year!
