LOCATION AND BUILDING
The NCSC is set to bring new life to the historic North Wing of Earlsfort Terrace in the heart of Dublin, transforming it into a vibrant centre for science, culture and education. Sharing this landmark site with the National Concert Hall (NCH) highlights the potential of this project to enhance Dublin’s cultural and educational fabric.
Earlsfort Terrace has a long and distinguished history as a centre of learning and culture. In 1865, it was the site of the Great International Exhibition, which aimed "to supply a want which long existed in this City, that is, of a structure where the Citizens might enjoy rational recreation combined with the elevating influence of the Arts." (Page 5, Official Catalogue, International Exhibition Arts and Manufactures, Dublin 1865). Later, it became the home of University College Dublin (UCD), serving as its campus for 124 years before the final relocation of students to Belfield in 2007.
Since then, the North Wing has remained vacant, a dormant treasure in the heart of the city. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has reimagined this historic space, securing planning permission in March 2024 to restore the North Wing as a children’s science centre, with the addition of a state-of-the-art planetarium. Additionally, the National Concert Hall secured planning permission in September 2024 for its own redevelopment, making this the ideal moment to revitalise the entire site.
Located in Dublin’s South Georgian Quarter, the entire development when complete will add to the area's vibrancy. By co-locating the children’s science centre and the National Concert Hall, the project fulfils the original spirit of the Great International Exhibition, bringing together community, creativity and learning. With the necessary government support, this ambitious vision can become a reality, enriching the lives of Ireland’s citizens for generations to come.
The NCSC site will feature:
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A fully restored North Wing and a modern extension housing a state-of-the-art Planetarium.
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A total footprint of approximately 9,500 square metres (100,000 sq. ft), with 2,500 square metres (27,000 sq. ft) of permanent exhibition space and 500 square metres (5,300 sq ft) of temporary exhibition space.
Artist's rendition of the NCSC entrance
Artist’s rendition of the NCSC at night.
Revitalising Dublin’s South Georgian Quarter
The NCSC will serve as a cornerstone of the South Georgian Quarter's ongoing regeneration. This area, identified in the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 (p. 387) as a vital cultural hub, will benefit from the project's ambitious scope.
Situated alongside the National Concert Hall and within close proximity to institutions like the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum, the NCSC will strengthen the area's identity as a dynamic cultural quarter. This synergy between institutions will enhance the South Georgian Quarter’s reputation as a key destination for cultural and educational experiences, fulfilling the potential outlined in the Dublin City Development Plan.
The Urgent Restoration of the North Wing of Earlsfort Terrace
The North Wing of Earlsfort Terrace is a historic building in the heart of Dublin city. However, it is not just a matter of choice but necessity—the building has remained idle since 2007 and requires significant remedial work to preserve its structural integrity and historical value.
The OPW has estimated that nearly 60% of the project costs will go towards restoring and preserving the building, ensuring it serves future generations. Regardless of its eventual use, most of the funding will need to be allocated to this critical restoration. By incorporating the NCSC into this revitalisation, the project ensures that the investment delivers both cultural and educational benefits, transforming a dormant landmark into a dynamic space for children.
By incorporating the NCSC into this revitalisation, the project ensures that the investment delivers both cultural and educational benefits, transforming a dormant landmark into a dynamic space for children.
Artist’s rendition of a room in the North Wing of Earlsfort Terrace as it stands today (left hand side), alongside a concept of how it could be transformed into a science lab (right hand side).
The Iveagh Gardens: Enhancing Access while Preserving Heritage
The Iveagh Gardens
The Iveagh Gardens, often referred to as Dublin's hidden gem, is one of Dublin city's finest yet least known parks.
As one of the best examples of Victorian landscape design in Ireland, the Gardens offer an escape from urban life.The OPW is committed to preserving the integrity of the Iveagh Gardens while improving public access. By opening the gardens to Earlsfort Terrace, the project is designed to enhance access to this historic space.
Key Features of the Development:
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No Encroachment on the Iveagh Gardens: The NCSC will be housed in the existing North Wing of Earlsfort Terrace, with a new extension built on the current car park. The development will not extend into the Iveagh Gardens.
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Improved Accessibility for All: A new, universally accessible entrance will be created, featuring a stone-clad ramp. This design will make the Gardens more accessible to the public.
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Minimal Environmental Impact: Out of over 300 trees in the Iveagh Gardens, only four will be removed to facilitate the development. The project has been carefully planned to minimise environmental impact and these trees will be replaced by additional plantings.
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Historical and Cultural Preservation: Planning permission has been secured to include the removal of a portion of the boundary wall that was added in the early 20th century. This change will restore the original relationship between Earlsfort Terrace and the Iveagh Gardens.
Below is an extract from An Bord Pleanála inspector's report which is available on the ABP website: "The proposed development is not removing any green space and is restoring an historical connection between the site and the Iveagh Gardens. The overall size of the Iveagh Gardens will not be reduced as a result of the proposed development and therefore there will be no loss of amenity or impact on existing park users as a result of the development, a concern also raised in the appeals. I note also that section 3.2.2 Habitats of the AA Screening report states that the habitats on site are of low ecological value. Therefore, I conclude that the proposed development will not result in significant effects on biodiversity."
An image of how the link with the Iveagh Gardens will be reinstated