South-William-Street-Area-Study

Recommendations for Enhancing the
Historic & Retail Character
November 2012
A report by
DUBLIN
CIVIC
TRUST

Foreword
Dublin City Business Association welcomes the
timely publication of this study of one of Dublin’s
most vibrant districts, issued at a time when the
City Centre is at a crossroads about its future.
Since the downturn in the economy, it has become
more important than ever to create and sustain
a high quality city core in order to promote foot-
fall and ensure that an attractive, international
standard urban environment acts as a draw for
continued investment in the City. The South Wil-
liam Street area may be described as ‘having it
all’ – great local businesses, buzzing street life and
high quality period buildings – but this success-
ful mix is deceptively fragile and must be carefully
managed and planned for the future. DCBA’s aim
in commissioning this report is to set out a vision
for how the area’s dynamic mix of businesses, the
presentation of the public realm, and the careful
management of all road users, pedestrians and
off-street car parking, can maximise the potential
of the commercial streets in the district, making it
an appealing place in which to work, live and con-
duct business. Ultimately, it is these principles that
should also guide the planning of the wider City
Centre – creating a world-class urban environment
that showcases our capital as a great European
city.
Tom Coffey,
CEO, Dublin City Business Association
South William Street Area Study
The South William Street area is synonymous with
the historic character of Dublin. Rich in architec-
tural heritage and a mercantile tradition, the area
has been a hive of urban activity since the 17 th
Century, where fashionable town houses and mer-
chant premises sprung up on new streets as the
City moved eastwards from the old medieval core.
In turn, this was built upon through the high qual-
ity redevelopment of parts of the district in the
late Victorian period for modern commercial use.
This pattern of development is still reflected today
in the tightly knit plots, lanes and alleys, warm
red brick façades and small indigenous businesses
that make the area a magnet for the citizen and
visitor to the City. It is imperative that these dis-
tinctive qualities are protected in a manner that
showcases the innate character of Dublin’s historic
building stock while also lending a distinctive and
unique brand identity to businesses in the area.
Building on Dublin Civic Trust’s first study of South
William Street in 1999, this stimulating report sets
out a practical vision for how this can be achieved
in the 21 st Century, ensuring the consolidation and
sustainable future of this, the most vibrant quarter
of Dublin City Centre.
Geraldine Walsh,
CEO, Dublin Civic Trust

South William Street Area Study
Acknowledgements
The South William Street Area Study was commissioned by
Dublin City Business Association in association with
Dublin Civic Trust.
Principal researchers: Fergus Browne & David Jordan
Additional text: Graham Hickey, Dublin Civic Trust
Additional contributions: Patrick Nolan
Document edited & prepared by: Fergus Browne & David Jordan
Visualisations, mapping & graphics: Fergus Browne & David Jordan
Photography: Fergus Browne, David Jordan & Graham Hickey
©Dublin Civic Trust 2012

Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction & Context
Introduction
History & Evolution of the Area
Planning Policy Context
2. Land Use & Activities
Land Use & Activities Overview
Present Land Use & Activities
Assessment of Active Frontages
Merchandise & Services
3. Townscape & Urban Structure
Urban Structure
Understanding the Narrative: Serial Vision
Street Character Assessment
Architectural Character
Landmarks in the District
Architectural Detail
4. Movement & the Public Realm
Movement in the South William Street Area
Orientation Within the South William Street Area
Street Clutter Study
Pavement Quality
Bollards & the Case for Cast Iron
Shop Front Façades
The ‘Spill-Out’ Effect in the South William St. Area
The Impact of Recent Interventions in the Public Realm
Overview of the Public Realm: The Potential for the Redistribution of Space
5. Recommendations & Conclusion
Recommendations for the South William Street Area
A Vision for the South William Street Area
Management
Design Solutions & Concepts
Recommended Materials Pallet for the South William Street Area
Design Concepts for Linear Space: South William Street
Design Concepts for Punctual Space
Design & Street Furniture Detail
Activities
Conclusion: Problems & Potential
References & Further Reading
South William Street Area Study
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- Introduction
- History & Evolution of the Area
- Planning Policy Context

Legend
Grafton Quarter as defined by
Dublin City Council
South William St. Study Area
North Retail
Quarter
River Liffey
St. Stephen’s
Green
Trinity
College
Merrion
Square

Introduction
The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it is in-
tended to illustrate the many problems and threats
currently evident throughout the South William
Street Area. Second, it sets out clear recommen-
dations for the future of the area, highlighting a
vision which is unique to the district, one which
capitalises on its existing dynamics and one which
does not seek to alter them.
The South William Street area is bounded by South
Great George’s Street to the west, Exchequer and
Wicklow Street to the north, Grafton Street to the
east and King Street South to the south. The de-
fined study area represents an important historic
part of the City, an area vital for the future consoli-
dation of the retail core, but also an area that has
been somewhat neglected.
South William Street Area
South Great George’s St
Exchequer St. Wicklow Street
South William St.
South William Street Area Study
The South William Street Area sits within the
Grafton Quarter, an area who’s boundaries were
defined by Dublin City Council in the approved Part
8 document for improvement works to Grafton
Street (September 2012).
Study Objectives
• Highlight the area’s architectural and historical
significance and its role in enhancing the dis-
trict’s unique character as a commercial hub.
• Emphasise how the character of the area can
be marketed as a unique selling point over the
out-of-town centres.
• Provide a detailed analysis of the present situ-
ation regarding land use and activities; town-
scape and urban structure; and movement and
public realm.
• Outline key recommendations regarding the
future management and development of the
area.
• Illustrate selective design interventions to the
Grafton St.
public realm.
St. Stephen’s Green
Trinity College
03

04
South William Street Area Study
History & Evolution of the Area
The Study Area’s Medieval Origins & Context
The study area is located to the east of the me-
dieval city as denoted by the city walls (see be-
low), lying within a district referred to in histori-
cal records as the land of ‘Tibb and Tom’. Whilst
the precise function of the area is unclear, records
suggest it was common ground for grazing and
medieval pastimes such as archery.
Indeed historical reference to the study area goes
back as far as Viking times, where, to the east of
the district lay a mound that had been used as a
Viking compound referred to as the Thingmount,
and which survived until the 17 th century. Speed’s
Map of Dublin (1610) depicts the extent of Medi-
eval Dublin where the open ground to the east had
yet to be developed.
Speeds Map of Dublin (1610)
Late 17 th Century Expansion
Following the Restoration in the 1660’s, a surge
of development occurred where clearly defined
streets replaced former medieval lanes. The emer-
gence of key developments east of the city wall,
namely Dame Street, Trinity College and St Ste-
phen’s Green (laid out as a square in 1664), pre-
cipitated development and urban expansion east-
wards. This area of development now forms the
City’s present commercial core.
De Gomme’s Map of Dublin (1673) Illustrates
Eastward Expansion
To the immediate west of the present South Wil-
liam Street Area, development began to occur on
the lands which belonged to the Aungier estate.
The emerging street pattern expanded over time
from west to east.
Emergence of South William St. & Clarendon St.
Following the development of Grafton Street in
the 17 th and 18 th Centuries, a distinct urban form
emerged, encompassing the development of Drury
Street (1673) South William Street (1676), Clar-
endon Street (1684) and Fade Street (1700). The
early development of these streets took the form
of simple terraces of single-plot houses, most like-
ly to be gable-fronted in the ‘Dutch Billy’ manner.
The next period of rapid development took place
in the 18 th Century, when the buildings lining these
thoroughfares gradually grew grander in scale
as leases expired and properties changed hands.
Brooking’s Map of 1728 (see right) illustrates that
the present urban grain of the study had by then
become well established. Much of this development
can be seen today along the eastern side of South
William Street, where the exhibition rooms (City
Assembly House) were built in 1765. The street
was also given a fashionable boost by the decision
of Richard Wingfield, 3 rd Viscount Powerscourt, to
build his town mansion there in the 1770’s.

Brooking’s Map (1728)
Detail of Rocque’s Map (1756)
South William Street Area Study
Section of Brooking’s Panorama (1728)
05

06
South William Street Area Study
The development of the Castle Markets on Drury
Street in 1785, was a key catalyst in underscor-
ing the area’s market tradition, which was pro-
ceeded by the relocation of these markets to the
west side of South William Street. By 1840 the
markets occupied both sides of Drury Lane. The
19 th Century saw the mass commercialisation of
the street, with ground floors of former residen-
tial houses converted into shops, and façades and
windows of upper floors re-dressed or replaced
to bring them in line with Victorian fashions.
Development of Wicklow St. & Exchequer St.
Exchequer Street’s name is derived from the pres-
ence of the City’s exchequer building which was
sited on a lane here. In the 19 th Century, the lower
part of Exchequer Street was renamed Wicklow
Street. The first significant development in this
vicinity was the building of St. Andrew’s Church
in the 17 th Century, designed on an elliptical plan
with a distinctive rounded roof visible on Charles
Brooking’s map (refer to previous page, upper
left), which was subsequently rebuilt on two oc-
casions. The nearby corner of Exchequer Street
and Clarendon Street was also leased at this
time to William Digges who laid out five buildings
there. The 18 th Century saw the development of
houses, some of which still survive today, which
although date from the 1740’s, are cloaked be-
hind later façades. A key catalyst to development
along Exchequer Street was the expiry of leases in
the late 18 th Century, granted in the late 1600’s.
South City Markets Front Elevation
This explains why so few buildings from that in-
itial period survive on Wicklow Street, as dwell-
ings tended to be redeveloped after their leases
expired.
Development of the South City Markets
South William Street, Drury Street, Fade Street
and Exchequer Street witnessed significant de-
velopment in 1878 with the establishment of the
Dublin (South) City Market Company. While the
original Castle Market contained a series of alleys,
the new development resulted in dwellings on all
flanking streets being demolished to make way for
the market building.
The Commercial Development of the Area
During the 19 th Century there was a gradual shift
from single residence town houses toward multi-
ple occupancy. The study area became home to
wholesalers, jewellers, fish and poultry dealers,
along with cabinetmakers and tradesmen, in-
cluding high-order specialist trades. An analysis
of Thom’s Street Directory from 1850 to 1900 il-
lustrates the important role that merchant family
businesses played in the commercialisation of the
district (e.g. Pim Brothers). The district also be-
came known for educational establishments such
as the English Day School at No. 63 South William
Street. It was during this period of growth and
change that Exchequer Street and the surround-
ing area was extensively rebuilt to cater for new
commercial demands. Purpose built buildings were

erected containing shop units on the ground floor
and modern office and service accommodation
in the floors above. It is this character that de-
fines the northern portion of the district today and
lends it a distinctive Victorian mercantile quality.
Whilst north Georgian Dublin and the west of the
City witnessed an increase in tenement occupan-
cy and widespread economic decline in the latter
part of the 19 th Century, by contrast the South Wil-
liam Street Area experienced a decrease in ten-
ements by 36% and a growth in commercial in-
tensity between 1850 and 1900. The table below
provides an overview of land use changes which
occurred on Wicklow St., Exchequer St., South
William St. and Clarendon St. over the period
1850 to 1900. The data illustrates that residen-
tial uses over the said period decreased by 54.5%,
while grocers/tea/wine/spirit merchants increased
by 89%. It also depicts the closure of specialist
stores and services including chandlers and be-
spoke manufacturer/producers, to more generic
stores providing a wider scope of products such
as department stores. New uses to the area also
South William Street Area Study
include public houses and tabacconists. Clothiers/
tailors/drapery represented the most dominant
land use both in 1850 and 1900 respectively, in-
creasing by 25% between these years.
Sustained Maintenance of a Commercial District
The growth in commercial intensity both within
and around the study area during the latter part of
the 19 th Century was sustained throughout the 20 th
Century. Indeed throughout the economic boom
of the 1990’s and early 2000’s, the popularity of
the area was further enhanced by the emergence
of a café/bar culture which complemented the ex-
isting retail uses. Today, South William Street lies
at the centre of a vibrant and important retail and
amenity area in Dublin.
Changes in Land Use on Exchequer St., Wicklow St., South William St. & Clarendon St. 1850-1900
Trade 1850 1900
Clothiers/Tailors/Drapery
Chandlers
Dairies
Department Stores
Bakers, Confectionaries, Fruiter, Florist
Hairdresser
Hotel
Jewellers
Jeweller/Watch Manufacturer
Professional/Legal/Banking Services
Public House
Residential
Stationary/Bookbinder/Printer
Tabocconist
Vacant
Victuallers
Vintners
Bookmaker
School/Church/Local Institute
Tenements
Hardware Manufacturing
Tradesman
Grocers/Tea/Wine/Spirit Merchants
Pawnbrokers
Bespoke Manufacturers / Merchants
20
3
3
0
2
1
2
5
4
4
0
11
7
0
15
3
4
2
4
33
5
9
9
1
5
25
0
1
3
4
1
5
7
5
6
2
5
6
3
14
7
4
2
4
21
12
5
17
Source: Thom’s Street Directory, 1850, 1900
0
0
07

08
South William Street Area Study
Planning Policy Context
The South William Street Area is one of the City’s
most vibrant and successful commercial quarters.
However there are a number of planning and de-
velopment challenges that threaten the future
sustainability and vitality of the area. Dublin City
Council have responded to these challenges by
preparing a range of statutory and non-statutory
plans designed to protect the character of the area
and reverse the flight of the shopper to suburban
shopping centres.
Current Planning Policy
There are two key statutory planning documents
directly relevant to the study area in question.
1. Dublin City Development Plan 2011 – 2017
2. South City Retail Quarter Architectural Conser-
vation Area (ACA).
Also relevant is the Grafton Street and Environs
ACA and the Grafton Street and Environs Area
of Special Planning Control, which covers a small
portion of the study area.
Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017 Study Area Zoning
Dublin City Development Plan 2011 – 2017
The City Development Plan is the primary and
statutory planning and policy document for Dublin
City Council, the purpose of which is to guide
the development of the City. Under the Plan, the
area of study is zoned Z5 (see turquoise shad-
ing below) with a zoning objective that seeks to:
To consolidate and facilitate the development
of the central area, and to identify, reinforce
and strengthen and protect its civic design and
character.
South City Retail Quarter Architectural
Conservation Area
Adapted in 2007, the South City Retail Quarter
Architectural Conservation Area provides a stat-
utory designation designed to protect the area
(see green hatching on map below). The ration-
ale for designating the area was due to its spe-
cial historic character which contains significant
building stock (c.110 protected structures), char-
acterised by a relatively intact 18 th Century town-
scape within a compact and vibrant urban quarter.

This plan in effect eliminates certain development
rights, which are normally classified as exempt-
ed development. For further details regarding the
management of the ACA’s please refer of Chapter
5: Recommendations and Conclusion.
Planning Related Challenges
There are a number of planning challenges which
threaten the integrity of the area. These include:
• A lack of planning enforcement and manage-
ment throughout the area, involving changes
of use, unauthorised signage and unauthor-
ised alterations to façades and shop frontages
(some of which involve protected structures).
• The area contains an optimal range of land
uses. In the absence of guiding principles gov-
erning desired land use, there is a threat that
one particular use could become dominant, to
the detriment of other uses throughout the
district. This threat particularly relates to the
expansion of existing, or the establishment of
new licensed premises.
• Currently a large number of buildings are
owned by NAMA (National Assest Managment
Agency). This brings into question issues deal-
ing with maintenance and up-keep of these
buildings, some of which are within an Archi-
tecture Conservation Area, over the medium
and long-term period.
• Development pressure from high-street retail-
ers for larger floor plates threatens the existing
fine grain in the district particularly the narrow
built form that characterise the study area.
• Threat of suburban shopping centres to footfall
and economic activity. This brings into question
how the study area can continue to provide an
enjoyable experience for the shopper that is
more attractive than out-of-town centres.
• Poor public realm coupled with the issue of traf-
fic management needs to be resolved. A posi-
tive experience for the pedestrian shopper is
paramount to the future vitality of the district.
• The area contains a number of buildings which
are poorly maintained. Superfluous signage,
South William Street Area Study
banners and clutter detract from the architec-
tural qualities of the townscape.
• Inactive street frontages, particularly along
the southern end of Drury Street and Claren-
don Street are uninviting and detract from the
area’s inherent character (see Chapter 2: Land
Use & Activities)
• The construction of the Luas BXD line and the
re-paving of Grafton Street is welcomed but it
brings its own planning issues in terms of how
to maintain access and egress to the South
William Street Area during the period of con-
struction.
Planning Initiatives
As a response to some of the challenges outlined,
Dublin City Council have development a number
of initiatives and actions. Selected schemes which
cover the South William Street Area, but which are
not necessarily exclusive to the district, include:
• South City Retail Quarter Architectural Conser-
vation Area
• Grafton Street and Environs Architectural Con-
servation Area
• Grafton Street and Environs Area of Special
Planning Control
• Dublin City Retail Strategy
• Outdoor Advertising Strategy
• City Centre Action Plan
• Your City, Your Space: Dublin City Public Realm
Strategy
• Fade Street experimental re-design
• South Clarendon Street temporary re-design
• Dublin Bikes and Wayfinder Signage Initiatives
• Grafton Street re-paving
• Forthcoming Grafton Quarter Vision Document
09

- Land Use & Activities Overview
- Present Land Use & Activities
- Assessment of Active Frontages
- Merchandise & Services

12
South William Street Area Study
Land Use & Activities Overview
The fine grain of the former merchant houses have
encouraged independent, small and varied uses
to develop, including uses above ground floor. As
such, the diverse range of activities within a small
geographical area has contributed to the vibrancy
and vitality which the South William Street Area
has become known for today. Indeed the intimate
plot sizes is critical in retaining a vibrant and ani-
mated atmosphere on a street. For example, the
large footprints on Clarendon and Lower Drury
Streets directly contribute to a reduced amount of
footfall and consequently have a deadening effect
on the street. In contrast, South William Street
and Exchequer Street with their smaller plots at-
tract high levels of patronage. The emergence of a
vibrant café/bar culture in the area has centred on
these streets.
Commercial Activity along Exchequer Street
Current Land Use Issues
NAMA is currently one of the primary land owners
in the South William Street Area. Their portfolio
is concentrated around the Chatham Street Area
and in the Westbury Mall. This report would en-
courage NAMA to engage with the stakeholders,
including landlords, Dublin City Business Associa-
tion and Dublin Civic Trust so that their portfolio
could be managed to optimise the maximum sus-
tainability and improvement of the district. There
is currently a fear that buildings under their au-
thority may fall into neglect and disrepair, whilst
the agency waits for a recovery in the commercial
property market. This would have negative reper-
cussions for the commercial viability of the area.
The South William Street Area at present contains
a sizable number of public houses. There is a dan-
ger that a trend could develop, similar to Temple
Bar where an over-dependence on this particular
activity could occur. This would be to the detri-
ment of others businesses along with the existing
pleasant and positive ambience in the area. It is
suggested that by extending the Area of Special
Planning Control, land uses can be managed in a
more efficient manner, than at present. It is also
recommended that the Dublin City Development
Plan be varied to strengthen current policy and in-
clude specific guidelines on licensed premises, par-
ticularly dealing with City Centre locations, such
as South William Street, which have an inherent
character. A Temple Bar cluster of pubs or ‘super-
pubs’ should be prevented at all costs.
Due to the rise in vacant premises throughout the
area, the ‘pop-up shop’ or temporary shop is be-
coming more frequent. There is currently no defi-
nition as to what constitutes a pop-up shop in the
Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017. This
should be amended to reflect this relatively new
feature in our streetscapes. While the temporary
pop-up phenomenon can be a benign one, some
companies are using vacant premises for adver-
tisement purposes i.e. masquerading as a pop-up/
temporary shop. There has been several instances
of this occurring in the area most notable, Peroni
Water on the junction of South William Street and
Exchequer Street.

Interactive Activities on Exchequer Street
South William Street Area Study
13

14
South William Street Area Study
Great
North
George’s Street
Fade Street
Exchequer Street
South City Markets
Drury Street
Johnson
Place
Castle Market
South William Street
Chatham Row
Clarendon Market
Clarendon Row
King Street South
Coppinger Row

Clarendon Street
Balfe Street
Chatham Street
Wicklow Street
Johnson
Chatham Lane
Court
Harry Street
Grafton Street
Legend
Retail
Café/Restaurant
Bar
Fast Food
Services
Office
Residential
Leisure/Recreation
Ground Floor Uses
South William Street Area Study
Present Land use & Activities
The South William Street Area presently contains a
diverse range of ground floor land uses which lend
the area its ambience and vibrancy. Retail is strong
within this district, with a particular concentration
along Exchequer Street and Wicklow Street. The
wide range of cafés, restaurants and bars animate
the streets throughout the day and into the night,
where pavement seating enhances one’s experi-
ence of the public realm. Uses along Drury Street,
Clarendon Street and South William Street are
dominated by services, offices and in some cases
vacant units. These inactive uses are concentrated
to the southern sections of these streets, south of
Castle Market and Coppinger Row.
The general diversity in land uses is encouraged
due to the fine urban grain and small plot sizes and
it is this character which has led to the success of
this part of the City Centre.
Culture/Gallery
Religious
Hotel
Car Park
Vacant
Education
Outside Study Area
15

16
South William Street Area Study
First Floor & Above Land Uses:
A Case study of Exchequer & Wicklow Street
An on-street survey was carried out to investi-
gate above ground floor level uses fronting onto
Exchequer Street and Wicklow Street. These
two streets are perhaps the most vibrant in
the study area. This is primarily due to the
fact that they connect directly with Grafton
Street. Due to its vibrancy and high
footfall Wicklow St. was partially pe-
destrianised in the 1980s as part of a
scheme to improve the public realm of
the area. A total number of 88 units/
buildings were examined as part of the sur-
vey. The main purpose of the survey is to:
• Provide a snapshot of the diversity and den-
sity of upper floor uses within the study area.
• Identify vacancy levels, deficiency of uses and
dominant uses in the above ground floor levels.
The results of the survey noted that:
• Overall vacancy levels are relatively low
(9.3%). This was to be expected as both Wick-
low Street and Exchequer Street are regarded
by the City Council as primary retail streets in
the City (designated Category 1 retail street).
• Office use represents a significant portion of
the units surveyed (38.4%). This high level of
office use above ground floor has associated
benefits in enhancing the commercial diversity
of the area acting as a demand stimulant for
other uses.
• The area has a relatively low level of ancillary
office / storage use (9.2%) whilst there is a
higher level of independent commercial activity
above ground floor level (25.6%). This higher
presence of small enterprises does much to
enhance the study area’s commercial and em-
ployment generating capacity.
• Of the units/ building plots analysed in the area
some 12.8% were used for residential purpos-
es above ground floor level. The quality and
nature of these residential units above ground
floor level is unclear.
Exchequer Street
South William Street
Wicklow Street
Door Plates detailing Uses on Exchequer St.
Percentage Breakdown of Units Accessed
Use % of Units
Ancillary Office
Ancillary Storage
Hotel
Office
Public House
Residential
Restaurants/Cafés
Retail
Services
Vacant
Surveyed
4.6%
4.6%
3.5%
38.4%
1.2%
12.8%
9.3%
9.3%
7.0%
9.3%
Legend
Streets Surveyed
Study Area

Numerical Breakdown of Surveyed Uses on Upper Floors
No. of Units
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Ancillary Office
4 4
Ancillary Storage
3
Hotel
33
Office
1
Public House
11
Residential
Restaurants/Cafés
8 8
South William Street Area Study
Retail
6
Services
8
Vacant
17

18
South William Street Area Study
Legend
Active Frontage
Inactive Frontage
George’s Street
Fade Street
South City Markets
Exchequer Street
Drury Street
Johnson
Place
Castle Market
South William Street
Chatham Row
Clarendon Market
Clarendon Row
King Street South
Coppinger Row

Clarendon Street
Balfe Street
Chatham Lane
Chatham Street
Johnson
Wicklow Street
Court
Harry Street
Grafton Street
South William Street Area Study
Assessment of Active Frontages
Rationale
For an area to be a vibrant hub of activity from
morning until after midnight there must not only
be a multiplicity of land uses sited in relatively
small plot sizes but crucially, these activities need
to be on display and easily identifiable to the per-
son in the street (i.e. an active frontage). The as-
sessment of active frontages is useful in helping
identify the areas of streets that are likely to have
a higher footfall than others, owing to a high de-
gree of active frontages. For the purpose of the
study an active frontage can best be described as
a shop frontage in which the use of the shop is
easily identifiable and its design helps to animate
the street. Therefore an active frontage can take
the form of an outdoor seating area or an attrac-
tive window frontage displaying merchandise. A
well-marked entrance leading to uses on the upper
floors can also be defined as active as the more
doors opening on to a street the more active it will
be. Alternatively, an inactive frontage is one that
detracts from the life of the street. This can take
the form of a blank façades (i.e. a wall) or it can be
a shop that is vacant and shuttered. Such façades
create a deadening effect on a street’s vitality.
Active Frontages in the South William St. Area
It can be seen from the study that the various con-
centrations of active and inactive frontages cor-
relate strongly with the level of vibrancy in each
street. For example, Wicklow St. and South Wil-
liam St. have a very high level of active frontages
and are consequently the most vibrant in the area.
However, Drury St. and Clarendon St. have high
levels of inactive frontages. This is evident from
the back-land or service area character that they
exude. It is noted that both the City Council’s Car
Park on Drury St. and the Clarendon St. façades of
the Westbury Hotel do much to reduce the vitality
on each respective street. Critically, it can be seen
that the area as whole retains a high level of ac-
tive frontages a key ingredient for a vibrancy and
dynamic district.
19

20
South William Street Area Study
Merchandise & Services
The area offers a range of merchan-
dise and services, supporting many
independent and specialist business-
es, thus maintaining its 19 th Century
role as a commercial hub for trad-
ers and retailers in the City. These
characteristics of the South William
Street Area are a unique selling
point, through which the district can
be branded and marketed as a key
shopping destination in Dublin.

South William Street Area Study
21

- Urban Structure
- Understanding the Narrative: Serial Vision
- Street Character Assessment
- Architectural Character
- Landmarks in the District
- Architectural Details

24
South William Street Area Study

Henry Street Area
Plot and Block Relationship
South William Street Area Built Form
Urban Structure
Figure Ground
South William Street Area Study
The urban structure and townscape of the South
William Street Area is intrinsically linked to the
success of the district as the City’s premier shop-
ping location. By assessing the relationship be-
tween street and block, or open space and built
form and understanding how the various compo-
nents in an urban setting each contribute to the
experience of a particular space, we can begin to
gain an understanding and appreciation of how
that space works. This chapter will in turn assess
these components and demonstrate how they col-
lectively contribute to the success of the South
William Street Area, which offers an experience to
the pedestrian shopper which is distinctly Dublin.
The fine grain of the South William Street Area has
undoubtedly aided the transformation of the area
into the vibrant district we see today. Compared
to the Henry Street retail area on the north side of
the City (see top left, note this is the same scale
as figure ground map on opposite page), the block
sizes are smaller, thus increasing permeability
though the district. East-west movement through
the core of the South William Street Area from the
George’s Street Arcade, through Castle Market,
Coppinger Row and Johnson Court is dedicated to
the pedestrian. The narrow streets and lanes cre-
ate an interesting and animated space for the pe-
destrian shopper.
However, it is not just the block sizes which have
aided in the success of the district. As noted the
maintenance of original plots, especially along
South William Street and Wicklow Street has led
to the prevalence of small and varied retail units,
bars, restaurants and cafés. This mix provides em-
ployment, diversity and interest in the area and
creates animated and active streets. It is impera-
tive to maintain this plot/block relationship espe-
cially in the face of pressure from international re-
tailers for larger units.
25

26
South William Street Area Study
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Understanding the Narrative:
Serial Vision
A series of walking routes have been chosen which
help best illustrate the fine grain, narrative and
unique qualities of the South William Street Area.
South William Street
Starting at the junction of Exchequer Street the
first of these routes moves along South William
Street, where one immediately feels a sense enclo-
sure created by the built form on either side. The
dominance of restaurants and coffee shops cre-
ates a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere which
is aided by the presence of outdoor street seating.
Alternative and independent shops enhance the
diversity of uses contributing towards the street’s
character. The prospect of Powerscourt House sets
the scene, creating a vital focal point and land-
mark along the street. The vertical emphasis of the
built form coupled with the iron railings is a strik-
ing feature as one continues along this route. The
view down the street is terminated by the former
Mercer’s Hospital Building. Its delicate architecture
and tower not only acts as a terminal vista to this
route but also offers a great point of orientation in
the district and draws the pedestrian through the
space. However, on-street parking on the southern
part of South William Street detracts from the am-
bience of the journey.
1
2
3
4
5
6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Castle Market - Johnson Court
South William Street Area Study
Starting at the junction of Drury Street and Castle
Market, this route moves eastwards towards South
William Street, passing bars and restaurants with
their canopies extended onto the street. Passing
by Powerscourt House and moving into Coppinger
Row more bars with outdoor seating are encoun-
tered. As one ambles across Clarendon Street and
moves towards St. Teresa’s Church into Johnson
Court, the very narrow nature of this passage is
fully appreciated. The winding lane creates an
intimate experience for the pedestrian, provid-
ing a sense of excitement. This route terminates
at Grafton Street, which forms a strong juxtapo-
sition to the journey taken. Overall, the user of
the space is stimulated by a remarkable change in
the streetscape, a change that is marked by com-
mencing with a formally planned Victorian market
street, crossing a classical Georgian thoroughfare
and terminating in the medieval-like winding lane
that is Johnson Court.
6
5
4
3
2
1
27

28
South William Street Area Study
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Clarendon Street
Commencing on Chatham Street one proceeds
north onto Clarendon Street and immediately no-
tices a change in atmosphere and activities com-
pared to those of Chatham Street. The street ap-
pears to be wide yet devoid of activity, although
the pavement is narrow compared to the road
space given, it gives an impression of a back-land
type character. Ones’ pace is increased due to the
prevalence of office and service uses. At the junc-
tion with Coppinger Row the street narrows consid-
erably and becomes more active and lively. Pass-
ing St. Teresa’s Church, the townscape of Wicklow
Street comes into full view - an inviting space for
the pedestrian.
6
5
4
3
2
1

Street Character Assessment
1./2. Exchequer Street & Wicklow Street
The unique architectural qualities of Exchequer
Street and Wicklow Street exudes a sense of
nostalgia for an age gone by, illustrating 19 th
Century townscape at its finest. The angled
nature of Wicklow Street provides the perfect
setting for viewing the architectural details
of the fine buildings. The roof treatments,
bow windows, brick façades and shop
fronts act as a uniform unit. It is rec-
ommended that statutory protection
be added to these streets to protect
this attractive townscape.
3. Drury Street
The upper part of Drury Street is dominated by the
George’s Street Arcade, a fine example of Victorian
neo-gothic architecture and contains many small
units. The southern part of the street is less attrac-
tive, service and office based and as such attracts
less footfall. The presence of the City Council Car
Park creates a blank imposing façade, although an
attempt was made to provide retail units. The pub-
lic realm along the street is of a poor quality.
4. South William Street
South William Street was originally laid out in
1676. The street has remained virtually un-
changed since the 18 th Century and is character-
ised by terraces of merchants’ houses and punctu-
ated by two very important buildings, Powerscourt
House and the City Assembly House. The main
threats to the street today are from unauthor-
ised alterations to building façades, some of which
6
3
17
1 2
7
15
14
4
16
8
have permanently destroyed the architectural
qualities of the street.
South William Street Area Study
Railings are a key feature on this street and should
also be protected from future removal. The abun-
dance of on-street car parking to the south of the
street discourages pedestrian activity. This coupled
with very poor pavement quality in places, detracts
from the street. Although recent years have seen
street improvements to the front of Powerscourt
House, more needs to be done to improve the qual-
ity of the street, to protect its integrity and charm.
5
13
12
11
10
9
29

30
South William Street Area Study
5. Clarendon Street
Clarendon Street today is largely characterised
as a service-based street which contains a light-
er footfall compared to other streets in the area.
Blank façades created by the service entrances to
Brown Thomas and the back of the Westbury Ho-
tel contributes to this. This lighter footfall is re-
flected in the range of land uses on the street. The
northern part of the street is most vibrant, at the
junction with Coppinger Row and Johnson Court
and becomes significantly quieter to the south. St.
Teresa’s Church is the most dominant building di-
rectly fronting onto this street, adding a continen-
tal flavour.
6. Fade Street
Fade Street is characterised by the red brick and
Victorian architecture of the George’s Street Ar-
cade. The café/restaurant on the southern section
of the street adds life the to space showing the
future potential of the street if similar uses were
to be established. Recently the street has been
given a makeover by the City Council, which has
seen the removal of on-street car parking amongst
other interventions.
7. Castle Market
This attractive street is extremely vibrant contain-
ing a range of retail, bar and restaurant uses. More
recently, premises have erected enclosed awnings,
which have the effect of blocking the uses off from
the street. This needs to be avoided at all costs.
The charm of this street and indeed the area, is
due to the prevalence of a ‘café culture’ which at-
tracts outdoor seating.
8. Coppinger Row
Located between two of South William Street’s
most important buildings, Powerscourt House and
the City Assembly House, this pedestrian street is
similar to Castle Market in that it contains a range
of café and bar uses, animating the street and cre-
ates vibrancy well into the night. The threat to this
street is also from the prevalence of completely
enclosed awnings, which segregates activity away
from the street. The street is the venue for a small
but attractive market every Thursday (see below).
9. Johnson Court
This attractive, nar-
row lane links Grafton
Street to Clarendon
Street and exudes an
old worldly charm,
where a sense of the
‘unexpected’ is experi-
enced. A range of small
retail uses along with
the entrance to St. Te-
resa’s Church is also located off Johnson Court.
10./11./12. Harry Street, Chatham Lane &
Balfe Street
Leading off Grafton Street, Harry Street is a small
pedestrian street which leads to the Westbury Ho-
tel and Mall along with pavement stalls for selling
flowers. Chatham Lane and Balfe Street although
contain some restaurant and retail uses, are gen-
erally poorly patronised and largely function as ac-
cess lanes and service area to the Westbury Hotel
and adjacent activities.

13./14. Chatham Street & Chatham Row
Chatham Street is an active, vibrant and attrac-
tive route leading off Grafton Street and contains
a wide range of cafés, restaurants and bars as
well as some retail units. A Dublin Bikes station
is also located here. Outdoor seating belonging
to various premises is prevalent although the
‘closing-in’ effect caused by awnings is becom-
ing evident. Leading onto Chatham Row, restau-
rant uses continue on the north side of the street,
where pavement screens for outdoor seating are
not used. This is a much more effective approach
to outdoor seating and creates a more inviting at-
mosphere along the street. The DIT Conservatory
of Music and Drama is located on the south side of
the street, which adds character throughout the
day as the music filters out onto the street. Traffic
is quite a dominant feature along Chatham Row.
A traffic calming scheme would be quite success-
ful in this location, allowing car access, but prior-
itising the pedestrian and creating a more inviting
and safe environment which would benefit busi-
nesses providing extra room for outdoor seating
(i.e. the spill-out effect) as a result of pavement
widening.
15./16. Clarendon Market & Clarendon Row
Clarendon Market is a narrow lane located to the
rear of the DIT Conservatory of Music and Dra-
ma, linking Johnson Place to Clarendon Row.
Pavement seating creates an inviting and ani-
mated space (see below), demonstrating how
high enclosures and barriers are not always re-
quired in order to provide seating. Clarendon
Row provides local access to North King Street.
17. Johnson Place
Johnson Place is an attractive junction contain-
ing the former Mercer’s Hospital. This impressive
building contains a clock tower which is a signifi-
cant landmark which terminates the view along
South William Street. The open space created at
the junction is dominated by vehicular traffic from
George’s Street, South William Street and Claren-
don Street. The space is quite cluttered, contain-
ing a large amount of bollards and signs. There is
great potential to re-organise the space and make
it more pedestrian friendly.
South William Street Area Study
31

32
South William Street Area Study
Architectural Character
The historic evolution of the South William Street
Area over the course of three centuries is evoked
in the distinctive architectural character of the dis-
trict. While prominent examples of public buildings
and landmark structures command vistas, it is the
intimate grain of Victorian merchant premises, 18 th
Century town houses, and individual shop units
that generate a unique sense of place through
their architectural expression.
The majority of streets in the area were origi-
nally built as residential enclaves, hence the high
density of single plots on streets such as South
William Street and Wicklow Street. A number of
early houses from the early 18 th Century, some of
which were originally gable-fronted, still survive in
the area cloaked behind deceptive later façades.
However, the majority were swept away by the
latter part of the Georgian period, to be replaced
by the grand town houses seen on South William
Street that form marching cliff faces of red brick
and classically ordered fenestration. The stimulat-
ing variety of domestic doorcases and railed base-
ment wells here is one of the street’s delights – a
highly distinctive feature for a commercial thor-
oughfare that lends it a memorable quality. Simi-
larly, the exceptional quality of a number of the
houses’ decorative interiors, which often feature
transitional rococo stuccowork and heavy joinery,
provides a unique setting for innovative retail and
service accommodation.
Classical Style Doorway on South William Street
The commercialisation of Dublin’s residential
streets in the 19 th Century is apparent on Wicklow
Street and Exchequer Street, where former resi-
dential houses gave way to larger-scale, purpose-
built retail and service buildings. The defining
characteristic of this redevelopment is the use of
factory-produced red brick facing façades, creating
the uniformly warm atmosphere along the thor-
oughfares that is at once distinctively Victorian.
Red Brick Façades - Exchequer Street
Further advances of the industrial revolution popu-
larised terracotta and polychromatic brick, result-
ing in many shop fronts, windows, parapets and
rooflines being adorned with ebullient decora-
tion. While some of these modernisations simply
masked existing buildings, the majority were re-
built from scratch, the most ambitious being the
sprawling South City Markets, now the George’s
Street Arcade, built in a Gothic Revival style to
the designs of English architects, Lockwood and
Mawson, along with its associated planned retail
street of Castle Market. Other buildings, such as

Exchequer Chambers on Exchequer Street, are ex-
amples of the growing trend at the turn of 1900
for purpose-built office accommodation with retail
units at ground floor level flanking a grandiose up-
per floor entrance. These buildings often feature
handsome original shop fronts designed to be read
as part of an overall composition with their upper
floor façades, being decorated with brick pilasters,
stone dressings and robustly carved timber display
windows.
There are relatively few examples of 20 th Century
buildings in the district, an indication of the largely
intact historic character of the area. Some pleas-
ant early examples can be found on South Wil-
liam Street and Lower Stephen Street, however
later interventions, such as terraces on Clarendon
Street, Clarendon Row and Chatham Row are gen-
erally undistinguished and light industrial in char-
acter, many catering for the wholesale clothing
trade that established here in the 1900s. Nonethe-
less, a number of high quality shop fronts allow for
contemporary styling to make its mark in the area
within an historic context.
South William Street Area Study
George’s St. Arcade (Former South City Markets) Landmarks in the District
The urban character of the South William Street
Area is greatly influenced by the hierarchy in build-
ing types and their individual architectural expres-
sion. The built morphology here is somewhat dif-
ferent to the rest of the City Centre due to the
tightly knit, organic development of its streets,
where public buildings and landmark edifices blend
more subtly into the streetscape than the state-
ment set-pieces located on the wider thorough-
fares of the city. This lends the area a somewhat
continental flavour, where sudden views of high
quality signature buildings on narrow streets cap-
tivate the passer-by with a burst of grandiose scale
and architectural detail.
City Assembly House
The reticent brick and stone façade of the former
City Assembly House belies one of the most impor-
tant public buildings in the area. Originally built in
the late 1760s by the Society of Artists as one of
the first public galleries in Europe, it later became
home to the assembly of Dublin Corporation until it
acquired the current City Hall in 1852. The building
retains its impressive octagonal exhibition hall and
a variety of handsome 18 th Century rooms overlook-
ing South William St., all proposed to be restored
in coming years by the Irish Georgian Society.
City Assembly House Main Entrance
33

34
South William Street Area Study
Former Mercer’s Hospital
Fittingly terminating the vista of South William
Street is the sober, classical granite façade and
copper-clad clock tower of the former Mercer’s
Hospital. Constructed on the site of an older hos-
pital building, the current structure is an interest-
ing amalgam of the 1750s and 1880s, with the
distinctive cupola marking the junction between
the two phases providing an attractive focal point
from as far away as the junction with Andrew
Street (see right).
Powerscourt House
The most dramatic landmark building is Power-
scourt Town House, with its impressive 1770s
façade of rough Wicklow granite dominating the
street scene. The sheer scale of the building, with
its somewhat awkward, old-fashioned proportions
and gracious sweep of entrance steps, injects an
antique charm to this commercial street while
hinting at the aristocratic pretensions of its origins.
Staircase of Powerscourt House, South William Street
Former Mercer’s Hospital

George’s Street Arcade
The George’s Street Arcade, originally known as
the South City Markets, is one of the landmarks of
the south city centre, with elevations facing onto
four streets. One of the most ambitious buildings
of its time, the complex was completed in 1881,
serving as a market and as host to a multitude of
retailers in shops both inside and fronting streets
around its perimeter. Restored following a disas-
trous fire in 1892, its fantasy Gothic Revival skyline
- crowded with turrets, chimneys and dormers - is
one of the great architectural embellishments of
the Victorian city, and contributes considerably to
the vitality and charm of the surrounding district.
St. Theresa’s Church
St. Theresa’s Church of Clarendon Street is one of
the hidden architectural gems of the area. Estab-
lished in 1793 as a simple church and friary, it took
the commonplace form of early Catholic churches
by concealing itself from public view within a street
block. The complex was progressively expanded
and altered, with the addition of the campanile
and entrance gates on Johnson Court in the 1860s,
and the erection of the impressive Lombardesque
granite façade facing Clarendon Street in 1876.
The large red brick monastery with its courtyard
located alongside injects a distinctly Italianate fla-
vour to proceedings, complementing this enchant-
ing and always busy spiritual and social focal point
of the district.
St. Theresa’s Church Interior
DIT Conservatory of Music
South William Street Area Study
The DIT School of Music on Chatham Row is one
of the youngest public buildings in the area, origi-
nally being constructed as a Fire Brigade Station
for Dublin Corporation in 1884. It was later leased
for use as the Technical School of Music in 1907-
08, with the Corporation’s Public Health Depart-
ment and City Laboratory taking over in 1913. The
building later reverted back to educational use,
with the original glazed canopies in the courtyard
being demolished and replaced with a brick-front-
ed extension of c.1940. The wrought-iron railings
fronting the street feature charming Art Nouveau-
inspired gate piers, adding quirky decorative inter-
est to the streetscape.
School of Music, 1913
School of Music, 2012
35

36
South William Street Area Study
Architectural Detail
The eclecticism of Victorian design is visible in façades
of the study area, often expressed through Elizabe-
than and Tudor revival features, as well as influences
from the Arts and Crafts movement.
Much design interest
stems from surviving
historic street furni-
ture, with examples
including a pillar box
from the reign of King
Edward VII (left), cast-
iron railings of c.1840
(below), and a stoi-
cal Egyptian revival
door knocker of c.1830
(right).
Distinctive, well-crafted features contribute
towards a sense of place, as with the charm-
ing projecting arm lanterns of Neary’s pub on
Chatham Street (above). Elements such as
these animate the street and generate a sense
of civic pride.

The array of formerly domestic doorcases on
South William Street are an essential part of its
character, ranging from the pedimented gran-
ite doorcase of c.1770s (above) to a quaint
Gibbsian entrance of c.1760 (below). Protect-
ing these as dominant features on the street
must be a key planning objective.
South William Street Area Study
The quality of 18 th Century architecture and design in
the area is a unique cultural and marketing asset for
businesses in the district. Features such as high sta-
tus carved staircases (top), iconic fanlight entranc-
es (above), and authentic historic fabric such as cut
stone floors (below), all contribute to the distinctive
atmosphere and brand of the area that makes it an at-
tractive place to shop and do business in. Preserving
and showcasing these elements is essential.
37

- Movement in the South William St. Area
- Orientation in the District
- Street Clutter
- Pavement Quality
- Bollards & the Case for Cast Iron
- Shop Front Façades
- The ‘Spill-Out’ Effect
- Interventions in the Public Realm
- Potential for the Redistribution of Space

40
South William Street Area Study
Introduction - A Contested Space!
The South William Street Area is character-
ised by its intimacy, a quality that is not only
reflected in its built from but also in its move-
ment channels, its streets and lanes. The result
is that there is a strong link between the de-
sign of the public realm and the impact it has
on all forms of movement within the area. The
present division of public space in the district
has resulted in the street becoming a contested
space. That is to say, the pedestrian shopper,
delivery vans, cyclists, cars and outdoor café and
bar seating are all in competition for the use of
this finite space. Whilst this competition creates
a vibrant and animated atmosphere, the design
quality of a space, if seen to be neglected, will
continue to have a detrimental effect on the ex-
perience a visitor will have, risking a diminu-
tion in the longer term prospects for the area.
Transport Infrastructure in South William St. Area
Luas
Movement in the South William
Street Area
The study area lies within a larger strategic retail
district, defined by Dublin City Council as the Grafton
Quarter (see map below). The district, with Grafton
Street as its pedestrian spine, is bound by South
Great George’s Street, Stephen’s Green, Dawson
St. and Dame St. These streets form a public and
private transport box which, for the most part, ve-
hicles circulate around but not through. The result
is that the study area can be best described as a
5 kph. environment, one that is dominated by the
pedestrian shopper. Despite this situation, many
streets are engineered as if they were still domi-
nated by vehicular traffic i.e. a 60 kph. environ-
ment. Features, such as narrow, poorly maintained
footpaths, on-street parking and all the associated
signage and street clutter should have no place in
such a slow movement area, an area which should
be a shared space for all users.
Luas

On-Street Car Parking
There is a general trend toward the reduc-
tion in the amount of on-street car parking
being provided in the area. For example the
City Council have recently banned on-street
parking on Fade St. and on the southern
part of Clarendon Street. An experimen-
tal temporary widening of the footpaths
has taken place on Clarendon Street
(Summer 2012). Overall, the re-
sult is that less that twenty on-
street parking places remain in the
study area. However, these are mainly con-
centrated around the parts of South William
Street and Drury Street that are the most
patronised by shoppers and have inadequate
pavement widths to cope with the pedestri-
an traffic. Another issue of concern is that
some cars are parking in spaces clearly des-
ignated as loading bays (see below). It is rec-
ommended that study into designated spots
loading bay capacity be reduced in the area.
Cars on Left - Parking in Loading Area
Legend
Grafton Quarter (as defined by DCC)
South William St. Study Area
Pedestrianised Area
Multi-storey Carpark
One-Way Traffic Route
Two-Way Route
Luas Green Line
Planned Luas BXD line
Bus Stop
Dublin Bikes Station
Luas
Luas
Exchequer Street
Legend
Drury Street
Johnson Place
On-Street Car Parking
Disability Car Parking
South William Street Area Study
South William Street
Taxi Rank (Westbury Hotel)
T
Multi-storey Car Parking
Clarendon Street
T
Wicklow Street
The study area plays host to three multi-storey
car parks including the Brown Thomas, Drury
Street and City Council Car Parks. Overall, the
Grafton Quarter area has capacity for over 2,500
cars in multi-storey car parks (Dublin City Coun-
cil, 2012). It is also seen that these car parks
have spare capacity, therefore they would be
well placed to accommodate the extra demand
for spaces should there be an elimination of
all on-street parking in the area. As noted in
a recent study by the Institute for Transpor-
tation and Development Policy, reducing on-
street parking is a widely accepted policy for
improving the public realm in European cities.
Access and Egress & Proposed Developments
The study area will be directly affected by two
major interventions over the next few years;
the Grafton St. re-pavement works and the Luas
BXD line. It is essential that a traffic manage-
ment system be implemented to ensure that
access and egress be maintained at all times.
41

42
South William Street Area Study
Cycling Infrastructure
The study area, with its slow moving traffic and
lack of major junctions with associated traf-
fic lights, offers a good environment for cycling.
Cycling is an important component of movement
through the area, indicated by the well-patronised
bike stands on South William St., Exchequer St.
and Johnson Place and also by the success of the
Dublin Bikes Scheme. However, there are some is-
sues that have the effect of reducing the potential
that cycling has as a transport option for shoppers
frequenting the area. Firstly, the one-way street
system presently in place reduces the accessibil-
ity of the area to cyclists. Secondly, cyclists are in
direct competition with the car for the limited road
space available in the area. Lastly, the placement
of bike stands on congested pavements, particu-
larly where there is outdoor seating is problematic
for pedestrians (see upper right). Some measures
to resolve these problems could include:
• Making some streets contra-flow for cyclists.
• Removing all on-street car parking in the area.
• Widening the footpaths or instituting a pedes-
trian dominated scheme for the area.
Dublin Bikes Scheme
Since its launch in 2009 over 3.5 million trips have
been made on Dublin Bikes (June 2012). This as-
tonishing figure demonstrates that cycling is be-
coming an increasingly accepted part of trans-
port throughout the city. There are two stations
in the area of study, located at Exchequer St. and
Chatham St. with 24 and 29 bike spaces in each
respectively.
Bike Stands on South William St.
Number of Bike Stands in Study Area
Bicycle Clutter
57 Stands
accommodating
114 Bicycles
The problem of bicycle clutter is prevalent in some
areas, particularly on the narrow and intensively
used pavements of South William St. The City
Council has responded to this increased demand
for bicycle parking by placing extra stands on ex-
isting polls (see below). Whilst this is one solu-
tion to the problem, the location of some of these
supplementary stands has also increased clutter at
pinch-points, hindering pedestrian movement. It is
seen that a strategic plan for bicycle parking needs
on a district wide level would provide the best so-
lution for bike parking needs. This would avoid
the present situation were stands are scattered
through the area in a random and ad hoc manner.
Supplementary Bike Stand - S. William St.

Pedestrian Provision
There is a strong divide in pedestrian footfall
within the study area. Wicklow St. is consid-
ered by Dublin City Council as a primary shop-
ping area (Category 1 Retail street) similar to
Grafton St. (Dublin City Council, 2011), while
other streets such as Clarendon St. and Drury
St. exude a distinctly back-land character.
However in many cases, the streets that at-
tract high pedestrian footfall, such as South
William St. and Exchequer St., there has been
little or no extra provision made to cater for
the greater levels of patronage. Referring to
the street clutter study (see pages 46-47), it
is also noted that the places with the highest
footfall on South William St. are the same
areas that are most affected by street clutter.
The provision of quality space for shoppers
who visit the area looking for a quality retail
experience must be a priority goal for the fu-
ture development of the area.
S. William St. - A Congested Area for Shoppers
Delivery Vehicle Congestion
It is noted that some streets in the area such
as Exchequer St., Wicklow St., South William
St. and Drury St. suffer from prolonged con-
gestion caused mainly by delivery vans sup-
plying goods to businesses. These vans have
the effect of both detracting from the charac-
ter of the streetscape and ‘closing-off’ shop
façades from shoppers on the opposite side,
adversely effecting passing trade. While it is
recognised that vans need to have access to
South William Street Area Study
shops, pubs and cafés, delivery times should
be limited to before 10.00 am in the morn-
ing for all businesses. An exception could be
made for restaurants that rely on fresh pro-
duce and may need deliveries for a short pe-
riod in the afternoon. Outside of these hours,
the proposed urban cargo scheme using tri-
cycles that can carry up to 180 kg should be
implemented to service business needs. Ac-
cording to the Dublin City Business Associa-
tion (DCBA) this would also slash costs for
business deliveries by 15% for ‘last mile’
journeys.
Exchequer St. at 12.30pm on a weekday
Urban Cargo Tricycle
Dublin City Council
43

South William Street Area Study
Orientation Within the South
William Street Area
Drury Street South William Street Clarendon Street
It can be seen that the South William Street Area
is a very legible entity within the City. That is to
say that its townscape and character is unique
to the area, distinct from that in the North Re-
tail Quarter or even in the formal squares of the
South Georgian Core. However on a local lev-
el, its intimate atmosphere and the fine grain
of its streets can make orientation difficult for
the visitor. For example, there are three paral-
lel streets running North-South between Grafton
St. and South Great George’s St. The illustration
above shows that when each is viewed from the
south it can difficult be to distinguish one street
44
from the other. In this way it is the combina-
tion of high permeability, the lack of a domi-
nant landmark and the continuity of the fine
plot sizes that actually work against the area’s
internal legibility. This can have a negative ef-
fect on footfall for certain streets in the area
as shoppers may perceive the district to be
somewhat of a maze and decide to stick to the
main thoroughfares of Grafton St. and Wicklow
St. There are many simple solutions that can
help remedy this problem which would both in-
crease streets’ legibility and also create a more
attractive environment.

Suggestions to Improve Internal Legibility
Attractive and well-maintained pub-
lic seating can help create a legible
street by placing a punctual point or
destination along a linear route. The
example (see right) shows seating
integrated as part of a soft planting
scheme at the Kildare Village Outlet,
Co. Kildare. Wood as a material for
seating is often desired as it is more
comfortable for seating particularly
during wintertime and colder periods.
South William Street Area Study
The internal signage of the area could be improved
by the selective placing of extra Wayfinder signs at
critical junctions (see left). Alternatively, the clas-
sic street signs (see above) could be affixed to
those street corners where they are current absent.
The bronze statue of Phil Lynott on Harry St. is the
only piece of public art in the study area. Such works
give a visitor a certain level of remembrance of the
area. They may not remember the name of the street
but they certainly
will remember the
street. More iconic
and tasteful works
of art would add
legibility to certain
routes. Also, ap-
propriate spaces
within the district
should be desig-
nated as places for
street entertainers.
45

46
South William Street Area Study
North
Great
S
George’s Street
S
U
L
L
L
L L
Fade Street
S
S
U S
Exchequer Street
South City Markets
S
L
L
L
L
U
L
S
S
L
S
S
S
S
WF
U
S
L
L
L S S
P
L
L
S
S
S
Drury Street
S
S
Johnson Place
S
S
S
L
S
S
Castle Market
S
South William Street
Chatham Row
Clarendon Market
L
S
S
S
P
S
L
S
L
S
L
S
S
L
L
S
S
S
L
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
P.O.
S
Clarendon Row
S
S
L
S
L
P
S
S
U
L L L
L
S
U
Coppinger Row
S
S
S S
King Street South
L
L
L
S
S
S
WF
S
S
S
S
S
S
S

S
S
Clarendon Street
Balfe Street
Chatham Street
S
S
L
S
S
Wicklow Street
Chatham Lane
L
L
S
S
Johnson
S S
L
Harry Street
L
L
S
L
Court
A
L
S
L
S
L
L
Grafton Street
L
L
S
Bins
Bollards
Cycle Ranks
Dublin Bikes Stand
Information Board
JC Decaux Advert Sign
Naked Pole
Street Light
Wayfinder Signage
South William Street Area Study
Street Clutter in the Study Area
Rationale
An audit of the extent of street clutter in
the study area is a useful tool in determin-
ing whether areas of the public realm are
overly congested, both spatially and visually,
with various elements of street furniture (i.e.
signs, bins etc...). Although all types of street
furnishings have been mapped this does not
suggest that necessary utilities such as stop
signs and street lighting are street clutter.
However, it does show that by their distri-
bution and intensity at certain places their
presence can impact negatively on the spe-
cial character and integrity of the area.
Extent of Street Clutter in the Study Area
Overall, it is seen that there is not a major
problem of street clutter in the study area.
Indeed it can be seen that many areas are
almost clutter free, for example along the
southern sections of Drury and Clarendon
Streets. Therefore, it can be seen that these
streets are able to function well without un-
necessary street furnishings. If this principle
was applied to the whole area then the dis-
trict would be free of street clutter. There are
some notable findings from this study which
will be discussed over the following pages:
• The cluttered nature of the recent inter-
Legend
vention on Fade St.
• The excessive amount of bollards on Clar-
endon St. and South William St.
• The fact that street clutter seems particu-
larly intensive at junctions and areas that
have a greater amount of public space.
i
JCD
L
WF
Planters
Post Box
Seating
Signage
Telephone Box
Parking Meter
Utilities Box
Public Art
P.O.
S
P
U
A
47

48
South William Street Area Study
Public Realm Intervention & Street Clutter on Fade St.
The recent intervention carried out on Fade St.
has resulted in a tangible improvement in the
amount of space dedicated to the pedestrian. This
is primarily due to the removal of on-street car
parking. Whilst this action by the City Council is
to be commended, other elements of the inter-
vention such as the needless increase in street
furnishings are less desirable. It is noted that
while some new street furniture includes plant-
ers which help soften the environment, the work
has resulted in the amount of individual pieces of
Fade St. - Before Intervention Fade St. - After Intervention
Before After
Legend
S
Cycle Ranks
Street Light
Bollards
Signage
L
U S
S
L
S
P
S
L
S
Wayfinder Signage
Telephone Box
Utilities Box
Bins
S
L
WF
U
Google Earth, 2009
S
Utilities Box
Seating
street furniture increasing from 17 to 40. This
is contrary to the Public Realm Strategy for the
City where there is an objective to de-clutter the
public realm. The design of some of these fur-
nishings such as the street lights (4 no.) and bol-
lards (14 no.) are not in keeping with the char-
acter of the surrounding built environment.
Imaginative ways of reducing clutter, such as us-
ing bike stands instead of bollards (only where
bollards are absolutely necessary), could be eas-
ily employed to reduce visual clutter in the area.
S
S
U
L
L
S
S
L
U
L
S
S

Bollards / Bike Stands
The previous street clutter study has illustrated the
excessive amount of bollards located along Claren-
don Street and South William Street. It is assumed
that their dominance is to prevent illegal vehicu-
lar parking on the pavement and/or protection of
basements. They are frequently located adjacent
to bike stands which when coupled with outdoor
café seating and other signage severely limits
space on the footpath for the pedestrian shopper.
South William Street Area Study
The preferred situation would see:
• The removal of bollards and bike stands.
• Bike stands re-sited along the pavements to
maximise space for the pedestrian. In areas
where protection of basements is necessary, a
reinforced bike stand could also function as a
bollard.
• Proper enforcement against illegal park-
ing and deterring it by narrowing carriage-
ways and widening pavements through-
out the area making it less likely to occur.
Removal of Bollards Bollards and Bike Stands Side-by-Side
Street Clutter at Junctions
The street clutter assessment of the South William
Street Area has highlighted the fact that clutter is
dominant in areas where there is a large amount
of public space present. The case of Johnson Place
(see right) illustrates this point clearly. Although
a key junction within the district, it contains an
unnecessary amount of bollards and signage. It
can be seen that the bollard is used as a perma-
nent inflexible tool in dealing with illegal park-
ing on pavements by the City Council. As stated
previously a more effective tool in changing the
long-term behaviour of the driver is to deter them
from illegally parking by narrowing carriageways
and widening pavements. Other areas where clut-
ter is particularly concentrated are the junctions of
Coppinger Row/ South William St., South William
St./Castle Market and Castle Market/ Drury St.
S
S
WF
U
S
L
L
S
S
Johnson Place
S
L
Clarendon Market
L
49

50
South William Street Area Study
Pavement Quality
Throughout the South William Street study area
there is a total lack of consistency when it comes
to pavement styles, quality and maintenance.
Most worrying is the prevalence of extremely poor
pavement quality which can be dangerous for pe-
Experimental Pavement on Fade Street
Similar
to
road
surface
at
junctions
destrians, particularly for the elderly or those with
impaired mobility. The following selection of pave-
ment represents an example of the uncoordinated
styles and quality of pavement employed in the
relatively confined space of the study area.
Far Left: Basic Pavement com-
posed of concrete slabs is used
throughout the study area.
Left: Deplorable and danger-
ous quality of pavement south
of Powerscourt House.
Far Left: Buckled and poorly
maintained pavement on Wick-
low St.
Left: The 1980’s pink paving on
Castle Market needs upgrading
but the warm colour creates a
lively environment.
Far Left: Old granite kerbing
on the southern end of Claren-
don St. should be maintained
in the area.
Left: The successful use of new
and old granite near Power-
scourt House shows that it is
the optimal material for the
area.
The surface pavement used
on Fade St. is problematic.
The surface is not durable,
is easily soiled and is not in
keeping with the historic
fabric of the surrounding
district. This ‘experimen-
tal’ surface should not be
replicated anywhere else
in the area.

The Use of Indigenous Granite as a Durable & Attractive Material
There is a strong historical connection in the
use of granite as a material in Dublin’s public
realm. Many of the footpaths that line our ma-
jor thoroughfares are paved with granite that
was laid in the late 19 th Century. It is crucial
this cultural and historic link be maintained and
enhanced in our historic city centre, particular-
ly in our primary public spaces. Also, traditional
Leinster granite exudes warm tones that en-
liven the pavement especially when compared
to the duller contemporary granite pavement
that is imported (see top right).
Therefore there is a strong case to promote the
use of traditional Leinster granite within the
study area.
The benefits include:
1. Supporting the local economy and the crea-
tion and maintenance of jobs.
2. Using an indigenous material that respects
the character of Dublin City and interacts
well with the Georgian built form of the his-
toric core.
3. Using a durable and robust material that
has been proven to last several decades.
The use of granite has proved a successful, at-
tractive and durable choice at the front of Pow-
erscourt House on South William Street (see
right). The use of Irish raw materials, where
appropriate, should be encouraged.
In contrast, lower quality pavement used on
Drury Street at the junction with Castle Market
has collapsed due to the weight of traffic over
time and needs replacing (see right). The use
of granite here would be a more appropriate
choice. This however also brings into question
the appropriateness of allowing extra heavy
goods vehicles deliver in the area.
South William Street Area Study
Indigenous(left) & Imported Granite
Contemporary Granite, Drury St.
Granite Pavement at Powerscourt House
Broken Pavement - Drury Street
51

52
South William Street Area Study
Bollards & the Case for
Cast Iron
The South William Street Area is part of Dublin
City’s premier retail district. Despite this, there is
an apparent lack of a materials pallet used by the
City Council when it comes to street furniture in
the area, particularly through the use of bollards.
It is argued that bollards should be removed in
most cases throughout this part of the city cen-
tre. Despite the current mish-mash of bollards cur-
rently on display throughout the area, they largely
have used cast iron, a material historically used
in railings and lampposts in this historic area. The
recent re-development of Fade Street has replaced
existing black furniture with contemporary stain-
less steel, illustrating the current departure from
cast iron and signifying the possible path of ma-
terials for other streets in the district, including
Grafton Street. This has the effect of exacerbat-
ing the current disarray, as illustrated below. In
fact, stainless steel bollards stand out much more
that the existing black, accentuating street clutter.
Black street furniture is used in most historic city
centres, such as Edinburgh. That is not to say that
stainless steel does not have its place, in certain
circumstances, such as in Adamstown (see oppo-
site). Stainless steel as a material is out of place
within this historic part of the city and as such
future works in the area should not be tempted
to replicate current ‘trends’ used in contempo-
rary developments. Dublin needs to adapt an ap-
proach, currently seen in Edinburgh and London,
where a consistent materials pallet - unique to
the respective cities, is used and strictly enforced.
Various Bollards throughout the study area illustrating lack of consistency

Stainless Steel - A model for future works in
the area?
Respecting our architectural heritage.
Cast Iron Railings on South William St.
South William Street Area Study
Stainless steel bollards recently placed on Fade Street, repre-
sents another addition to the already collective array of bollards
scattered throughout the area. Interestingly, the use of stain-
less steel signifies a departure from the past use of cast iron by
the City Council. This new material fails to respect the historic
nature of the street and illustrates the need for a coordinated
materials pallet. It is essen-
tial that this materials pallet
is compiled as a response
to the character of the area
in question and not as a re-
sponse to what is considered
to be in vogue. As a foil, the
contemporary development
of Adamstown (right) uses
stainless steel successfully.
Edinburgh - Cast Iron used throughout World
Heritage Site
53

54
South William Street Area Study

Shop Front Façades
The ground floor façade is the most important link
between the person in the street and the building.
In an active area such as this, the ground floor
façade is more than often a shop frontage. There-
fore it is imperative that such frontages interact
well with the pedestrian shopper and also respect
the architecture of the building and its surrounding
streetscape.
An overview of shop frontages in the study area
found a high variance of standards between streets.
Good examples (see left) illustrate frontages that
are engaging, inviting and in keeping with the dis-
trict’s character. Most importantly their uses are
easily identifiable. However, it can be seen that the
majority of these samples are found along Wicklow
St. / Exchequer St. - the primary retail streets in
the study area. While this is to be expected, other
streets such as South William St. which are also
well patronised has some amazingly poor quality
frontages. The images on the right depict three
examples of premises on South William St. where
ill-conceived modern interventions have led to the
erosion of the street’s special character. The prem-
ise in example 1 may have a valued use but its poor
quality frontage diminishes the natural harmony
and rhythm that the building has with its neigh-
bours. Example 2 shows that permanent structural
damage has been inflicted on this building to ca-
ter for a use that is long gone. Lastly, example
3 shows what looks to be a temporary and very
tacky façade that has been incongruously mount-
ed onto the original. It is not know whether this
has caused lasting damage to the existing façade.
The selected examples show that even in the pre-
sent post-building boom environment the natural
character of the South William St. Area continues
to be threatened and eroded for the sake of short-
term gain. Therefore, it is recommended that in
order to retain its remaining built heritage the cur-
rent Area of Special Planning Control on Grafton
Street be extended to include the district.
1. Good Use - Poor Standard
South William Street Area Study
2. Vacant Use - Lasting Damage
3. Poor Treatment - No Intergration
55

56
South William Street Area Study
The ‘Spill-out’ Effect in the
South William St. Area
The spill-out effect is the process whereby com-
mercial uses such as cafés, bars and restaurants
colonise or spill-out on to an area of public space in
front of their premises. In general this process is to
be welcomed, as such activities, once brought into
the street, greatly enliven the atmosphere creating
a distinctly cosmopolitan ambiance. The spill-out
effect also enhances interaction with the passerby
and greatly boosts the profile of such commercial
uses. This process was spurred on by the adoption
of the smoking ban in 2004 which resulted in many
pubs and restaurants providing outdoor seating
for customers who wanted to smoke. However, it
soon became evident that such an amenity was
popular with both smokers and non-smokers alike.
The emergence of the spill-out effect has both im-
proved the character of the study area and helps
to engender the notion of the area being at the
centre of the café culture in Dublin.
The Spill-Out Effect (Closed in)
Closed-In Spill-Out - Castle Market
Some Problems with the Spill-Out Effect
There is however some problems associated with
the spill-out effect that is evident in the South Wil-
liam St. Area. First, many uses spill-out onto nar-
row pavements, thus impeding the movement of
the pedestrian (e.g. South William St.). However,
this can be resolved with the redesign and redistri-
bution of public space away from the car. The sec-
ond and more pervading problem is the over-use
of awnings/canopies and other projections that are
designed to provide the user with a more com-
fortable experience, particularly in poorer weather.
Whilst canopies help to make a more attractive and
interesting façade, their use in combination with
ever-higher balustrades is a growing problem of
concern in the study area. Such moves only serve
to close off uses to the street, reduce interaction
and block important pedestrian routes (see be-
low). There is some evidence to suggest the clos-
ing-in of the spill-out effect is designed to combat
the activities of street beggers. Also to be noted
is that not all façades are suitable for canopies.
The Spill-Out Effect (Optimal Scenario)
Natural Spill-Out - Castle Market

The Impact of Some
Interventions in the Public
Realm
Pedestrianisation of Castle Market
Although the pedestrianisation of Castle Market
was completed some years ago its effect is still
having repercussions for the area today. The turn-
ing over of space for pedestrian use only has re-
sulted in giving the person on the street a greater
awareness of the special townscape of the district.
The car free views of both George’s Arcade and
Powerscourt House have the effect of drawing
shoppers towards these spaces. In essence the
pedestranisation has improved the natural perme-
ability of the link from South William St. through
to George’s Arcade. The result of this is that foot-
fall in the area increased dramatically, hence the
spill-out effect in Castle Market, taking advantage
of passing custom. Unfortunately, as has been
previously noted, Castle Market is a case of the
spill-out effect beginning to get out of control with
incongruous shelters covering increasing amounts
of the pavement. The difference can best be seen
between the morning when the shelters are absent
and evening time when they are in place.
Dublin Wayfinder Signage
The Wayfinder scheme which was designed to ac-
company the arrival of Dublin Bikes is intended to
replace the uncoordinated and haphazard signage
in the City by providing a robust and streamlined
directional signage network for the main tourist and
cultural highlights in Dublin. The design of the new
signs has indeed fulfilled this intention. However, it
is noted that the old and now defunct signage still
remains in place, adding to the street clutter of
City Centre. There are two wayfinder signs in the
study area, one is located at the junction of Wick-
low St. and South William St. and the other which
includes a map is on Johnson Place. It is noted
that a small number of extra signs could be put in
place in selected areas of the study area, to help
tackle the problem of orientation in the district.
Castle Market at 10am
Castle Market at 4pm
South William Street Area Study
57

58
South William Street Area Study
Overview of the Public Realm:
The Potential for the
Redistribution of Space
It is clearly evident that the public realm is some-
what of an unloved and overlooked entity within
the district. This is seen not only by a lack of atten-
tion to detail regarding the standard and coordina-
tion of street furniture and pavements but also by
the poor distribution of space in the public realm in
the area. However, although the amount of public
space is somewhat limited there is huge potential
for improvements to the area by redistributing the
space towards the needs of the pedestrian shop-
per, the dominant user of the space. A number of
specific interventions that should be considered
are outlined below:
1. De-clutter area in front of Powerscourt House,
maintenance of existing granite pavement.
2. Pedestrian friendly scheme considered for
Drury Street, South William Street, Clarendon
Street, Exchequer Street and Wicklow Street.
3. Re-design of the public realm on Wicklow
Street.
4. Re-distribution of public space on Chatham St.
/ Chatham Row.
5. Assessment and redistribution of bike stands
throughout the area.
6. Traffic calming and public realm improvements
at Johnson Place.
7. Removal of all on-street car parking through-
out district.
8. Strongly oppose any realisation of this pro-
posed aspirational street linking Drury Street
to Clarendon Street.
9. Public seating provided in selected areas.
An Unloved Public Realm!
8.
7.
9.

6.
1.
South William Street Area Study
2.
5.
4.
3.
59

- Recommendations for the South William St. Area
- A Vision for the South William Street Area
- Management
- Design Solutions & Concepts
- Materials Pallet
- Design Concepts for Linear Spaces
- Design Concepts for Punctual Spaces
- The Potential for the Re-distribution of Public Space
- Design & Street Furniture Detail
- Activities
- Conclusions: Problems & Potential

62
South William Street Area Study
Recommendations for the South
William St. Area
While this report has outlined the
unique characteristics of the South
William Street Area it has also highlight-
ed many threats to the future integrity of
the district. Taking account of these, the
recommendations for the future development
of the area are divided into three key themes:
1. Vision
2. Management
3. Design
First, a broad vision for the long term sustaina-
bility of the district will be established. In order
to realise this vision, recommendations as to how
the area should be managed will be proposed. This
will include looking at international case studies,
illustrating the management structures in place in
these respective places. This will be followed with
detailed design solutions for the area which will
address the space at various scales. This will in-
clude proposing a street furniture and materials
pallet and various public realm improvements in
order to create an attractive environment, encour-
age the growth of pedestrian activity and foster
a sense of civic pride which can more than better
any of the out of town shopping centres.
It is argued that if the desired three pillars struc-
ture for enhancing the area are put in place this
will lead to effective and visible change within the
district, ensuring it remains the centre of com-
mercial activity within the Capital. The following
chapter will outline Dublin Civic Trust’s recommen-
dations for the future direction, development and
consolidation of the South William Street area.
More Strategic
VISION
MANAGEMENT
DESIGN
More Detail

A Vision for the
South William Street Area
By the end of the decade, the south retail area will
be able to stand over its claim as the primary district
in which to shop and socialise in the City. The area
will be a pedestrian friendly space, where its unique
streetscapes, architectural merits and fine grain can
be appreciated by visitors and retailers alike. The
public realm having been rejuvenated
and de-cluttered by investment in
quality indigenous materials, be-
comes a destination in itself, with
once quiet streets
now buzzing with
spill-over activities,
reinforcing a café
culture ambience.
Uses shall be di-
verse, assisting
the develop-
ment of indig-
enous retail
uses and
strengthen-
ing the
local
economy.

64
South William Street Area Study
Management
In order that the South William Street Area re-
mains part of the premier retail destination within
the City Centre, a dedicated management struc-
ture is required to; enforce policies; brand and
promote the district; and educate the public about
the special character of the area, to reinforce civic
pride.
Amalgamation of ACAs & Extension of Area of
Special Planning Control
There are currently two Architectural Conservation
Areas (ACAs) within the district, the Grafton Street
and Environs ACA and the South Retail Quarter
ACA, both adopted during the lifetime of the Dub-
lin City Development Plan 2005-2011. The Grafton
Street and Environs ACA was also designated an
Area of Special Planning Control in 2007 for a peri-
od of 6 years, in accordance with the Planning and
Development Act, 2000 (as amended). This added
layer of legislation provides greater powers to the
planning authority as to how the area is managed,
removing some exempted development rights and
dictating the future direction of the area.
Existing Architectural Conservation Areas
and Area of Special Planning Control
Legend
South Retail Quarter ACA
Grafton Street and Environs ACA
Area of Special Planning Control
Recommended amalgamated ACA
Grafton Quarter (as defined by DCC)
South William St. Study Area
Recommended Architectural Conservation
Area and Area of Special Planning Control
In order to protect the integrity and special char-
acter of the South William Street Area, Dublin Civic
Trust recommends that the two existing Architec-
tural Conservation Areas be amalgamated into one
single ACA. This is in order to reinforce the collec-
tive special character of the district as a whole.
The Trust also recommends that the Area of Spe-
cial Planning Control (due to expire in 2013) be
extended to include the entire combined ACA area,
as illustrated above. This will provided the neces-
sary added protection to streets like South William
Street, which have witnessed unauthorised altera-
tions to façades, which if were to continue would
permanently destroy the special character of the
street. The Area of Special Planning Control should
set out specific measures dealing with land use,
materials, façade treatments, colours, as specified
in Section 84 of the Planning and Development Act
2000 (as amended).
A desired land use zoning plan also needs to be im-
plemented. This should include above ground floor
and basement uses. Certain service-based uses
are more suited to above or below ground floor
and vice versa. Setting out such clear and detailed
guidelines will ensure that the economic diversity
and special character of the area is strengthened.
Land uses such as independent boutiques should
be encouraged. The small plots and fine grain can
encourage such uses, which will not negative-
ly impact the architectural heritage of the area.

Planning Enforcement
Many works and alternations to buildings and ad-
ditions to the public realm within the said Architec-
tural Conservation Areas have taken place which
are in direct conflict with the objectives and poli-
cies of the plans in question. For instance, it is
specifically stated that,
Sandwich boards will not be permitted under
any circumstances anywhere within the South
Retail Quarter Architectural Conservation Area.
(p.29)
Nevertheless these are prevalent throughout the
district, exacerbating street clutter in places.
Sandwich Board on Castle Market, within ACA
Similarly it is stated that planning permission is
required (non-protected Structures) for,
Illuminated advertisements exhibited as part of
any shop or other window display in a business
premises and other advertisements affixed to
the inside of the glass surface of a window of
a business or premises or otherwise exhibited
through a window of such premises. (South Re-
tail Quarter ACA, Policy 2.1, (m))
Despite this, such illuminated advertisements can
be seen within the area, clearly indicating that
there is a problem with enforcing the aforemen-
tioned policies. The example right illustrates a be-
fore and after of a premises that has installed il-
luminated advertisements inside the glass, to the
detriment of the overall character of the street.
South William Street Area Study
Before installation of internal illuminated
signage on South William Street
After installation of internal illuminated
signage on South William Street
Dublin Civic Trust recommends that planning en-
forcement be strengthened throughout the City’s
historic core, within sensitive areas and in partic-
ular within Architectural Conservation Areas and
Areas of Special Planning Control. A lack of en-
forcement renders potentially strong policy mean-
ingless. Education is also required to ensure that
tenants and owners of buildings, as well as the
general public understand what an Architectural
Conservation Area and Area of Special Planning
Control is. Such legislation should not be buried
within plans but brought into the open.
Endangered Buildings/ Undesirable Uses
In accordance with the Dereliction Act 1990, Dub-
lin City Council have at their disposal the power to
protect buildings in danger. As stated by section
10 of the Act,
Google Maps, 2009
It shall be the duty of a local authority to take
all reasonable steps to ensure that any land sit-
uated in their functional area does not become
or continue to be a derelict site.
This useful legislative tool should be utilised to
its full potential in the South William Street Area.
65

66
South William Street Area Study
Establishment of Management Team
It is argued that a special multidisciplinary team is
required specifically to manage the Grafton Quar-
ter, to ensure that the long term vision, policies
and proposals are enforced and implemented on a
daily basis. It is suggested that this team be com-
prised of key personnel from Dublin City Council,
headed by the Planning and Economic Develop-
ment Department and contain other key officials
and officers. This team would regularly meet with
a selection of elected representatives, members
of the business community and other key bodies
operating within the City to ensure that this dis-
• Senior Management
• City Councillors
• Strategic Policy
Committees
• Public Realm Officer
• Public Domain Officer
for South City
• Roads & Traffic Dept.
• City Architects
• Parks Staff
trict remains the prime retail core of the City. The
rationale for this special group is based on an as-
sessment of the performance of the current Ar-
chitectural Conservation Areas and Area of Special
Planning Control in actively dealing with unauthor-
ised works to structures and public realm decay,
as highlighted throughout this report. Planning en-
forcement within the district needs to take a more
active stance, otherwise the policies already in
place become redundant. Establishing a dedicated
management team for the City’s primary retail dis-
trict will ensure that policies are successfully im-
plemented.
Structure of Recommended Multidisciplinary Team
to Manage the Grafton Quarter
Reporting to
Liaising with
Landlords
&
Tenants
Educating
Management
Team
• Team Leader
• Planners
• Enforcement Officers
• Conservation Officer
• Urban Designers
Enforcing
• Planning Decisions
• Architectural
Conservation Area
• Area of Special
Planning Control
Engaging with
Developing
Key Stakeholders Eg.
Local Businesses, Dublin
Civic Trust, Dublin City
Business Association &
other interested
parties
Management
Strategy for the
Grafton Quarter

Precedents in Area Management
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish Capital is an interesting case
study for city centre management in both
implementing a long term vision and deal-
ing with short term challenges. There has
been a clear long term goal to make the
centre of Copenhagen a pedestrian centred
space. To achieve this, the Danes adopted
a twin track approach. Firstly, they began
reducing the amount of on-street parking
within the city centre by 2-3% per annum
over a 30 year period. Simultaneously they
invested in both public transit and in up-
grading the public realm. This gradual but
constant process has resulted in a safer
environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
By 2008 more than 40% of journeys to
work were made either on foot or by bicy-
cle. Management in response to short term
challenges can be best seen by the exam-
ple of pizza boxes over-flowing out of the
bins near a popular restaurant along the
rejuvenated Søndre Boulevard. Rather than
erecting ‘do not litter’ signs, the City Coun-
cil specifically designed bins with an extra-
large pizza sized slot to accommodate them
(gehlarchitects.com, 2012).
Covent Garden, London, England
Founded in 1988 the Covent Garden Trust
comprises representatives of community
groups, local authorities and designated
bodies. Since then, a series of studies and
guidance have been drawn up by the Trust
in conjunction with the City of Westminister
Council. Crucially, these documents have
not been left to wither on the vine, they
have been actively implemented. For ex-
ample, the 2004 Environment Study, which
details proposals to maintain and enhance
the public realm have been reviewed in
2008. This review critically assessed what
had been achieved and detailed new issues
to be dealt with. Also of note, is the level of
South William Street Area Study
attention to detail that the studies contain
i.e. there is even guidance on the design of
outdoor seating for cafés and bars.
Kompagnistræde, Copenhagen - Shared Space
Google Maps, 2009
Pedestrian Dominated Space, Covent Garden
Outdoor Café Furniture Guidance
67

South William Street Area Study
Design Solutions & Concepts
While it is acknowledged that traffic ac-
cess and egress is essential to the area,
future design works should prioritise the
pedestrian. Indeed, many routes are al-
ready pedestrianised or pedestrian friend-
ly. These incremental improvements
need reinforcing if the area is to sus-
tained itself as a pedestrian domi-
nated environment. This study ex-
amined the possibility of further
pedestrianisation, however due
to presence of existing multistory
car parks and the potential of neg-
ative repercussions for traffic congestion in
the wider south city area, it was decided not to
recommend further pedestrianisation of streets.
In the longer term it can be seen that the space to
benefit most, even from partial pedestrianisation,
is South William St.
Proposed Street Improvement Works
It is currently recognised that the area in its en-
tirety needs its street surfaces and pavements up-
grading. The two types of spaces dealt with in the
proposals are linear and punctual. Linear spaces
are spaces which we for the main part, journey
through i.e. streets and lanes. Such spaces dom-
inate the study area and indeed they contribute
most to the character of the district. Punctual
spaces are destinations within the public realm and
generally occur at the junction of several routes
(e.g. College Green). Whilst there are no major
punctual spaces within the South William Street
area, there are opportunities for creating punctual
spaces in a number of locations (see map, upper
right). The following section summarises the main
recommended schedule of works to streets in the
area. Greater details as to the redesign of the
study area’s public realm will be provided later in
this chapter. South William Street will be used as
an example of how a linear space can be rejuve-
nated, while Johnson Place and Chatham Row will
be used to illustrate how punctual spaces could be
68
enhanced within the area.
Fade St.
Johnson Place
Exchequer St.
Drury Street
Castle Market
South William St.
Chatham Row
Clarendon Market
Clarendon Row
Linear Routes
Legend
Coppinger Row
South William Street
Clarendon Street
Balfe St.
Chatham St.
Johnson Court
Harry St.
Chatham Lane
Wicklow St.
Suggested Punctual Areas
This street is considered to be the civic spine of the
study area and as such it is recommended that one
material be used to pave the street, reflecting its
importance in the district.
• Entire street to be paved in Leinster Granite,
to include pavements and carriageway. The
carriageway will be grade-separated and nar-
rowed to 3 metres in width.
• All on-street car parking to be removed.
• Loading bays to be rationalised with two being
provided - one at the northern end and the one
serving businesses in the south
• The existing feature pavement in front of Pow-
erscourt House to be cleaned, repaired and in-
corporated into the new design scheme.
• Wider pavements will allow removal of most
bollards. To protect Powerscourt House granite
bollards will be used.

Wicklow Street/ Exchequer Street
• The existing pedestrian section of Wicklow
Street should be re-paved in Leinster Granite.
• The remaining section of the respective streets
should have widened pavements of Leinster
Granite and contemporary granite sets along
the carriageway, with grade separation (see
materials pallet).
• The width of the carriage-way should be re-
duced to 3 metres.
• The Dublin Bikes station on Exchequer Street
should be incorporated into the design of the
street.
Pedestrian Streets (Johnson Court, Coppinger
Row, Castle Market, Harry St., Clarendon
Market, Chatham Lane)
• Pedestrian routes should be re-paved in Lein-
ster Granite.
• Harry St. should be fully pedestrianised with access
for deliveries and taxis to the Westbury maintained.
• Chatham Lane should be pedestrianised.
Clarendon St. / Clarendon Row/ Chatham
Row / Chatham St. / Drury St. / Fade St./
Balfe St.
• The respective streets should have widened
pavements of Leinster Granite and contempo-
rary granite sets along the carriageway, with
grade separation (see materials pallet p. 72).
• Limited set-down areas should be provided and
all on-street parking on Drury St. should be
removed.
• A carriage width of 3 metres should be imple-
mented on these streets.
Grafton St. - Leinster Granite
Although not subject to the current report, it is
recommended that Grafton Street, like South
William Street, be re-paved using Leinster Gran-
ite, due to the street’s historic significance and
importance as the core of the south retail quar-
ter. Leinster Granite is a material indigenous to
Dublin and its use along a street such as Grafton
Street can be fully justified. Such a material would
showcase both the street and show visitors that
Dublin has a high regard for its build heritage.
Punctual Areas
Johnson Place
South William Street Area Study
• Area to be de-cluttered and re-paved in Lein-
ster granite and contemporary granite setts.
• The carriageway of the pavement at the junc-
tion should be raised to calm traffic (similar to
in front of Powerscourt House.)
• Trees should be planted to define the punctual
nature of the space.
• A piece of public art to be erected in the centre
of the space.
Area in front of DIT Conservatory of Music on
Chatham Row
• Street should be upgraded taking cognisance
of the fact that the Conservatory of Music will
be relocating to Grangegorman.
• Pedestrian routes should be widened and re-
paved in Leinster Granite.
• The width of the carriage-way should be re-
duced to 3 metres.
Area in front of Powerscourt House
• Existing Traffic calming measures at Power-
scourt House be maintained.
• Granite Setts should be repaired and cleaned
• A general de-cluttering of signage in the area
should be undertaken and the iron bollards re-
placed with granite ones.
Junction of Castle Market & Drury St. opposite
George’s Arcade Entrance
• Layout should be similarly treated to that in
front of Powerscourt House.
69

70
South William Street Area Study
Design Solution: Inspired By Shared Space
The concept of shared space aims to remove tra-
ditional boundaries which have segregated vari-
ous road users, through the use of kerbs, railings,
bollards, road markings and signs. The removal
of such infrastructure along appropriate streets,
particularly where traffic is already slowly moving,
can improve the visual appearance and perception
of the space. It is also proven to slow traffic down,
A Typical Street Setting in Central Dublin
No barriers used
to segregate
outdoor seating
from the pavement
creates
a truly shared
space environment.
Removing signage &
bollards results in an
uncluttered environment.
Trees can be planted to
subtly delineate uses
& improving visual
amenity.
From a Contested Space to a Shared Space!
as railings and bollards encourage speeding by
providing a false sense of security for drivers and
indeed for pedestrians alike. Shared space works
well only in cases where traffic is essential for lo-
cal access rather than as a through route. For a
shared space scheme to be viable there must be a
slow movement environment with light traffic lev-
els and a high pedestrian footfall.
The Same Street Redesigned Using the Pure Shared Space Model
Road space shared with
cyclists and pedestrians
P
Raising the road to the
level of the footpath gives
more space for pedestrian
Elimination of on-street
car parking provides
extra space to cope
with high footfall.

Shared Space for Ireland: A Case for Legislative Change
Currently there is no legal basis for shared
space in Irish Law. Understandably this
makes Local Authorities wary of imple-
menting such schemes in our towns and
cities due to the legal risks involved. We
would strongly urge that the Department
of Transport, Tourism & Sport amend the
relevant legislation governing roads to
take account of the change in policy dis-
course that is occurring in European Cities.
A good example of the purist form of
shared-space is New Road in Brighton,
New Road Before
www.civictrust.co.uk
Shared Space in Action: New Road Brighton
Gehl Architects et al.
South William Street Area Study
England. Until recently this street was
congested with traffic, blighted by on-
street parking and cluttered with signage.
In devising an regeneration scheme for the
area, Brighton Council was persuaded by
the design consultants (chiefly the Dan-
ish Architecture Firm, Gehl Architects) to
keep the street open to traffic but one that
is dominated by the pedestrian. The re-
sultant scheme has seen the street trans-
form from being a busy route to a space
for recreation and amenity.
Statistics of its Success To-Date
62%
600% increase in staying
activities
22%
increase in pedestrian
footfall
increase in cycling
activities
New Road is now the 4th most
popular destination in Brighton!
Source: gehlarchitects.com
71

72
South William Street Area Study
Recommended Materials Pallet
for the South William Street Area
The recommended materials pallet for the area
(see below) has been devised to select materials
on the basis that they are attractive, natural, du-
rable and most importantly, that they will integrate
well into the existing historic environment in the
area. Details regarding their exact application in
each respective street is outlined in the following
pages.
1.
2.
Materials
1. Contemporary Granite setts - As used on
O’Connell St.
2. Traditional Leinster Granite
3. Wood as a material for seating (as per Dock-
lands)
4. Granite bollards (where necessary)
5. Cast iron litter bins
6. Cast iron street lights
6.
3.
5.
4.

Design Concepts for Linear
Space: South William Street
The recommended design scheme for South Wil-
liam St. reflects its position as the civic spine of
the study area. The street at present is a one-
way street where the majority of journeys into
the area are in the form of delivery vehicles and
traffic accessing car parks. The pedestrian-domi-
nated design is inspired by shared space. Hence
the pavements and carriageway have the same
material (Leinster Granite) but are separated by a
conventional kerb similar to O’Connell Plaza. Nar-
rowing the carriageway to 3 metres and removing
all on-street parking will provide additional space
to the pedestrian, improving the visual amenity
of the street, reflecting its historic status, whilst
still allowing vehicles to access the space. The
narrow carriageway will discourage illegal park-
ing, due to a lack of space. As previously noted,
Existing Street Layout
27-28
22
48
51
O’Connell Plaza, O’Connell St.
Recommended Layout
27-28
South William Street Area Study
Low Kerb - Same Material!
delivery bays will be provided at two specific
points to the north and south ends of the street.
Please see following plans and cross sections to
detail proposed changes.
22
48
51
10m
73

74
South William Street Area Study
Cross Sections of Mid-South William Street
Along with the upgrade in pavement there should
be a comprehensive de-cluttering and rationalisa-
tion of street furniture in the area. The use of bol-
lard as a standard feature will be strongly discour-
aged. Below and right are cross sections of the
middle portion of South William Street, illustrating
the present layout and proposed layout.
Existing Cross Section
Narrow pavement.
Segregated environment
encourages speeding
along the street.
Illegal parking and
delivery vehicles.
Location Map
Unattractive environment
for cyclists due to onstreet
parking.
Signage along existing
narrow pavements exacerbates
lack of space for
pedestrian.
A B
P
B
A

Shadow Analysis
The results of a shadow analy-
sis shows that the western side
of the street receives a great-
est amount of direct sunlight.
Therefore the western side of
the street should have a wider
footpath than the east to en-
courage spill-over activities on
the sunnier side of the street.
Cross Section of Proposed Pedestrian-Friendly Space Scheme
Potential for outdoor
seating due to additional
space.
South William Street, 12 noon, 21 September
Grade separation
delineates road
space.
Narrowed 3 metre carriageway
with low kerbs
restricts the speed of
vehicles in the area
South William Street Area Study
Removing on-street parking
provides more space
for pedestrians
Leinster granite
used on pavement
& road space
A B
75

76
South William Street Area Study
Design Concepts for
Punctual Spaces
Johnson Place
Presently Johnson Place is a traffic-dominated junc-
tion with a confused and cluttered layout. However
it can be seen the space has real potential. The space
forms the southern link between many of the key
streets in the area and it also is the largest punctual
space, although some of this is in private ownership.
The central idea to the redesign of the this space
is the idea to reinforce the natural rectangular
shape of its open space, this can be best achieved
by delineating and defining the space with trees.
Pleached trees such as those at the G.P.O. on
O’Connell Street create a structured but soft en-
vironment and give the person in the street the
impression that they are entering a room.
This room should be focused on the pedestrian.
While traffic access would remain, the width of the
carriageway would be reduced to 3 metres and
raised to the height of the pavement at the traf-
fic junction. Loading bays should be eliminated
Visualisation of Improvements to Johnson Place
Present Public Realm Layout at Johnson Place
from the immediate Johnson Place area. The pave-
ments should be composed of Leinster Granite
and the carriageway be of contemporary gran-
ite setts. A general de-cluttering of signage and
bollards should occur and the renewed space
be focused on a work of public art. This would
be best sited at the junction of the two traffic
routes (Johnson Place and South William St.).
The provision of seating in the space is also desira-
ble as the wider and uncluttered pavements would
be easily able to accommodate such furniture.

Existing Street Layout Johnson Place
31-32
31-32
Mercer
Mercer Hospital
Hospital
Proposed Street Layout Johnson Place
Mercer
Hospital
38
NO ENTRY
38
NO ENTRY
South William Street Area Study
1
1
39
Clarendon Market
39
Clarendon Market
10 m
77

78
South William Street Area Study
Shadow Analysis
The results of a shadow analysis shows
that the northern side of the place re-
ceives a greatest amount of direct sun-
light. Therefore the northern side of the
space should have a wider footpath than
the southern and eastern sides to en-
courage vibrancy on the sunnier side of
the street.
Chatham Row
Chatham Row is a small street dominated on the
south by the DIT Conservatory of Music and the
north by bars and restaurants.
The spill-out effect is currently very evident
on the northern pavement. However, there
is a tendency to ‘close-in’ pavement seat-
ing areas through the use of high barriers. The
Metro Café currently does not use any pave-
ment divides and this works very successfully.
The design for this street will encourage such
pavement seating. Tree planting will take place on
Visualisation of Improvements on Chatham Row
Johnson Place, 12 noon, 21 September
the northern side of the street and a general de-
cluttering of the space is recommended, with bike
stands re-located to the adjacent Clarendon Row.
Footpaths will be re-paved in Leinster Granite and
the carriageway in a contemporary granite sett.
DIT will be moving to their new campus in Grange-
gorman in the foreseeable future and as such, the
current Conservatory of Music building will become
vacant. It is essential to maintain this building as
a cultural use, with active ground floor uses. This
will ensure that the character currently displayed
along this street is maintained and enhanced.

Shadow Analysis
The analysis shows that
northern side of Chatham
Row receives the most sun-
shine. Our design is respon-
sive to this environment,
thus maximising the potential
for ‘spill-out’ activities in the
street.
Existing Street Layout Chatham Row
South William St.
Clarendon Market
Existing Street Layout Chatham Row
South William St.
NO ENTRY
Clarendon Market
Chatham Row, 12 noon, 21 September
Conservatory of
Music
Chatham Row
New Cultural Venue
2 3
Indicative
Punctual
Space
2 3
South William Street Area Study
Clarendon Row
Clarendon Row
10 m
79

80
South William Street Area Study
Design & Street
Furniture Detail
In an area of historical architectural character
such as the South William Street district, atten-
tion to detail is vital to maintaining and enhancing
the fabric of the townscape. Such attention to de-
tail should not only cover shop façades and pave-
ment quality but also extent to traffic signage and
street furniture. While these utilities are a neces-
sary part of the urban environment, careful con-
sideration of their location and distribution should
be a central component of any public realm im-
provement works in the area. Thoughtful design
and the use of high quality durable materials are
essential if such fixtures are to be integrated in a
manner as not to detract from the environment.
Suggested Traffic Signage Scheme
P
Brown Thomas
Car Park
Such a signage scheme
where there is multiple
pieces of information on
the sign is appropriate
for the area as it is
a slow movement
environment.
Signage will be
as small as
traffic
regulations
allow
The example here
combines a one-way
direction, a no-left turn
and car parking
information on to one
sign. There should be no
more than three instructions
on any one sign
Signage should be mounted onto
a cast iron black pole throughout
the area
Street Signage, Exchequer St.
Street Signage
As has been previously mentioned,
street signage in the district is nota-
bly cluttered and haphazard. The ex-
ample right is quite common within
the area. It is recognised that some of
these signs are mandatory by law but
this should not stop them from being
rationalised in a meaningful way so as
to respect the character of the area in
which they are placed.
The Dublin Wayfinder Scheme
which has accomplished the ra-
tionalisation of cultural and tourist
signage within the City provides a
useful precedent in this respect.
Therefore, a system that
integrates different traffic
directions onto the one sign
should be considered for the
district. This would not only
protect the visual amenity of
the area but also be cost ef-
fective by reducing long term
expenditure on the erection
and maintenance of various signs
and poles. It is noted that stop
signs cannot be integrated with
other signage. Not withstanding
this issue, the proposed signage
scheme would result in a dras-
tic reduction on individual signs.
It is also recommended that the sig-
nage system for the car parks serving
the larger Grafton Quarter be incor-
porated into any new system. This
would streamline the varied car park-
ing signage currently in place while at
the same time making the area more
legible for visitors and shoppers alike.

Signage to alert traffic on Drury St.
Such signage as above is unfortunately all too
prevalent in the study area and illustrates the
fact that the area is still engineered towards the
needs of the car to the detriment of its historic
Street Bollards
Bollards in front of St. Teresa’s Church
Another issue of clutter that needs to be resolved
is bollards. Clarendon St. (see above) is a verita-
ble avenue of bollards such is the intensity of their
distribution. Bollards are put in place for the most
part to stop vehicles parking on the pavement.
However, this should be the last option for con-
sideration. Where there is a need for their place-
ment, such as to protect a historic building like
St. Teresa’s Church, it is recommended that gran-
ite bollards should be employed. These bollards
should be high enough so as to prevent pedestri-
ans tripping over but too low for them to be used
as bike stands as is often the case (see right).
South William Street Area Study
Optimal Situation - If Signage is Necessary
character. The example above shows that if such
signs are required, it is clever design that is cru-
cial in subtly integrating it with its environment.
Discreet Stone Bollards, Edinburgh
Eliminates
bikes being locked
to bollards
81

82
South William Street Area Study
Street Lighting
Street lights mounted on to façade walls is very
much a part of the character of the South Wil-
liam Street Area. While this helps the street be-
come a more uncluttered environment there is
some concern over the quality of some of the
bracket fixtures and the way the necessary wir-
ing is dealt with, particularly on the façades of
historic structures (see below). The new free
standing lighting recently erected on Fade St. is
at odds with the character of the area and not
desirable. The lighting fixture on Coppinger Row
(see upper right) provides a good example of
how the design and materials used in the street
light integrates seamlessly with the streetscape.
Lighting Bracket on Chatham Row
Litter Bins
The placing of litter bins at set intervals along
a street should be discouraged, they should be
placed in areas according to the level of footfall
and the amount of space available. The design of
the bins themselves, while user-friendly are not
in keeping with the historic environment in which
they are placed. See next page for recommenda-
tions on bin design.
Good Quality Lighting Fixture, Coppinger Row
Contemporary Street Light, Fade Street
Litter Bin, South William St.

Branding
Street furniture such as litter bins represent a
unique opportunity to employ the use of branding
to heighten the legibility of an area 1 . Indeed it can
be seen that Dublin has used this to good effect in
the past (see image right). With the current plans
to redesign the public realm on Grafton Street
there now is an opening to employ a system of
subtle branding for the whole of what is now being
termed by the City Council as the Grafton Quarter
Other contemporary public realm interventions in
a historic area, such as the Quartermile develop-
ment in Edinburgh has proven that this can be
successfully undertake.
Road Markings
A modern
design, subtly
branded but
in keeping
with
the historic
architectural
townscape in
the area.
It is recommended that the majority of road mark-
ings such as double yellow lines are removed as
they detract from the intimate ‘5 kph environ-
ment’ sense of scale in the area.
Unsightly Road Markings, Clarendon Row
1 See Defining Dublin’s Historic Core (Dublin Civic Trust, 2010)
Street Light on Dawson Street
South William Street Area Study
Branded Bin, Quartermile Edinburgh
Subtle Road Markers, O’Connell Plaza
83

84
South William Street Area Study
Cycling Provision
With an increasing demand for bike parking spaces
and capacity of bike parking limited in the area,
a district-wide solution is needed. It is proposed
that the following steps should be taken in order to
accommodate this growing trend.
• A network of Bicycle Parks or Bays should be
introduced in the area (see below).
• The location of such bays should be decided on
the basis that they are proximate to but not
in areas of high pedestrian footfall and where
there is an adequate amount of space available
in the area to cater for them.
• With the new bicycle bays in place, bike stands
should be removed from some of the most con-
gested parts of the area.
• The recent addition of supplementary bike
stands on poles should also be removed.
3 Suggested Areas for Bicycle Bays
2.
3.
Bicycle Bay, St. Stephen’s Green West
• The existing multi-storey car parks in the area
particularly the City Council Car Park in Drury
St., should be made available as overnight and
all-weather parking areas for cyclists.
• To raise awareness of this facility it should be
the subject of a promotional campaign in the
area. For instance, it should be added to the
Wayfinder signage.
1. Corner of South Great George’s St. & Dame
Lane - This currently unused space is an optimal
area for a bicycle bay.
2. Clarendon Row - This street could accommodate
up to 50 spaces. If interspersed with the plant-
ing of trees, this under-used space would be-
come a legible and attractive part of the district.
3. Middle Drury St. - Proximate to the main east-
west (Castle Market - George’s Arcade) route.
Legend
Grafton Quarter (as defined by DCC)
South William St. Study Area
Multi-storey Carpark

Delivery Vehicle Access
As previously noted much of the congestion in the
study area is caused by delivery vans entering the
district throughout the day. Therefore the times
of such deliveries should be restricted to make it
more consistent with delivery times restrictions on
nearby Grafton Street. Also the weight of these
vehicles are also physically damaging the public
realm (see right) this requires expensive repairs to
be made. To combat this problem a general weight
restriction of 5 tons should be enforced in the area.
Recommended delivery times for vehicles using des-
ignated loading bay areas:
1. Area open to delivery vehicles before 10am
(similar to Grafton St.)
2. Delivery to specific uses (i.e. Fresh produce for
restaurants) also allowed between 2-3pm)
3. Outside of these times the Cargo Bikes system
as discussed in Chapter 4 should be utilised.
Seating Provision
Outdoor seating is an important amenity for the
public in any district and its presence can help
strengthen the idea of a punctual space by cre-
ating a destination for the public. It is therefore
recommended that the provision of outdoor seat-
ing be concentrated in the 4 punctual spaces that
have been identified as for the most part linear
routes in the area are too restricted to afford the
Visualisation of Seating Planters at Drury St.
South William Street Area Study
5 Ton Vehicle Restriction in Area
5t
Damaged Granite Setts - S. William St.
positioning of desirable seating areas. The two
types of seating suggested are benches and circu-
lar seating surrounding a planter and benches. The
circular seating would create an attractive public
scene and soften the environment in certain ap-
propriate locations. The material used for the seat-
ing should be wood, it is perhaps the warmest and
best suited for the Irish climate.
85

86
South William Street Area Study
Activities
The fine grain and small plots of the South Wil-
liam Street area support the growth of indigenous
and independent retail uses. However, a level of
policy direction is required, in order to achieve
this. Boutique and specialist retail uses should be
encourages and supported. Extending the Area of
Special Planning Control will enable measures to
be introduced preventing the spread of unsuitable
land uses.
The following uses should not be allowed in the
area:
• Adult shops
• Fast food restaurants / Take-aways
• Convenience stores
• Discount shops / Pound Shops
• Tattoo Parlours
• Tanning Salons
• Casinos
• Lap-Dancing Clubs
• Phone Shops
• Bookmakers
Indicative Vertical Land Use Mix
Vertical land use must be given special consid-
eration in this area, as to how this can increase
the vitality of the dis-
trict. The majority of
the built form is par-
ticularly robust, that is
to say that its use can
be easily changed. For
example much of the
build in the area was
one residential on the
upper storeys, these
could easily be recon-
verted to that use or
alternatively become a
home for a new archi-
tects practice or dental
surgery.
The following uses should be actively promoted in
the area:
• Independent Boutique Shops
• High End Retail / Specialist Retailers
• Specialised Food Shops & Delis
• Cafés and Restaurants
• Galleries / Art dealers
• Antique Shops
• Specialised Services / Creative
Residential
Architect’s
Practice
Photographer’s
Studio
Independent
Boutique
Wine Bar
Businesses
Adult Shops
Adult shops are an undesirable use in such a high
end retail area. A new policy should be introduced
by Dublin City Council and applied to the entire
City Centre precluding adult shops opening in any
area within a 500m radius of any educational insti-
tution or place of worship. This measure is based
on one introduced in New York City by Mayor Rudi
Giuliani and successfully dealt with this particular
land use issue.
Vertical Land Use

George’s Arcade (Former South City Markets)
It has been highlighted throughout this report
that internal legibility within the study area is a
problem. With the highly legible form of the
former South City Markets building
there is the potential to resolve this
issue. As a purpose built Victorian
Market building, it has the potential
to become one of Dublin’s most visited
attractions, emulating the success of
the English Market in Cork. If this
were achieved the Markets would
be like the Guinness Storehouse,
a must-see fixture on the itiner-
ary of every tourist. This would in turn make the
district more legible and rejuvenate the entire
western part of the area. Additionally, restoring
its use as a market would support and enhance
start-up and indigenous businesses. The building
itself takes up a considerable amount of space, as
illustrated above and is extremely permeable, with
entrances on to each of the surrounding streets.
South City Market Façade Detail, Dublin
Brick Work in Need of Restoration
English Market, Cork
Tony O’Connell (www.englishmarket.ie)
Recommendations
South William Street Area Study
It is recommended that a Conservation Man-
agement Plan be devised for the Markets which
should consider the following:
• George’s Street Arcade to be returned to
its former glory as the South City Markets,
creating a key attraction to rejuvenating of
the area between South William Street and
George’s Street.
Capitalising
on our unique
Architectural &
Cultural Heritage
• Removal of paint from the brick façade.
• Improved permeability onto Fade Street.
87

88
South William Street Area Study
Conclusion:
Problems & Potential
To summarise, the study has highlighted the key
problems currently evident in the area, set out a
vision for how the district can fulfil its true poten-
tial and made recommendations as to how this re-
juvenation can be achieved.
This report has identified many problems which
threaten and prevent the long term success of the
district. Such problems include:
• A lack and in some cases, a total absence of
planning enforcement, particularly unauthor-
ised works to ground floor façades and to pro-
tected structures.
• A lack in implementation of the stated objec-
tives of the current ACA written statement for
the South Retail Quarter Architectural Conser-
vation Area.
• Poor quality public realm along well-patronised
routes, illustrating the general lack of atten-
tion to detail, a problem which is prevalent
throughout the area.
• Townscape negatively effected by uncoordi-
nated and in many cases unnecessary street
signage clutter.
• Continuing presence of on-street car parking.
• Delivery vehicles causing congestion through-
out the week days.
• Spill-out effect getting out of control at some
premises.
• Threat that the area may become dominated
by public houses.
• Maintenance of building stock owned by NAMA.
It has also been noted that much of the vital urban
design ingredients necessary for successful place-
making are presently in place and have been for
generations. These include the rich architectural
detail, fine grain, small plot sizes and diversity in
activities, all of which are an inherent part of the
character of the South William Street Area.
In order to achieve the vision set out for the dis-
trict, the following points outline the principle
recommendations to be undertaken:
• Amalgamate the Grafton Street and Environs
and South Retail Quarter Architectural Con-
servation Areas (ACA) and extend the current
Grafton Street and Environs Area of Special
Planning Control to include the amalgamated
ACA, covering the wider district.
• The Local Authority should readily invoke the
powers of the Dereliction Act 1990 when nec-
essary.
• The establishment of a special management
team within the Local Authority to implement,
review and manage the ACA and Area of Spe-
cial Planning Control Policies and also draw up
a management and maintenance strategy for
the area.
• Rejuvenate the public realm, using indigenous
materials such as Leinster Granite accompa-
nied with the removal of on-street parking.
• Provide quality and durable seating at suitable
locations.
• De-clutter streets of excess and unnecessary
signage and establish a coordinated and inte-
grated traffic management signage scheme.
• Enforce delivery time and weight restrictions
on delivery vehicles entering the area.
• The various stakeholders in the area should
lobby the Department of Transport, Sport and
Tourism to legalise the use of shared space -
using best practice European examples.
• Devise a bicycle parking strategy based on the
creation of designated parking bays as part of
management strategy for the area.
• As part of the expanded Area of Special Plan-
ning Control scheme, specific land uses should
be itemised that will be either be prohibited or
encouraged, to promote the long term sustain-
ability of the district.
• Encourage the re-establishment of George’s
Arcade as a key attraction and destination in
the area between South William Street and
George’s Street. The first step in achieving
this goal would be to devised a Conservation

Management Plan for the former markets
building.
• Dublin City Council should vary the Develop-
ment Plan to include specific guidelines deal-
ing with licensed premises, particularly dealing
with city centre locations, such as South Wil-
liam Street, which have an inherent character.
• Dublin City Council need to provided guide-
lines dealing with ‘pop-up shops’ or temporary
shops.
• Encourage NAMA to engage with the key stake-
holders in the area so that their property port-
folio can be managed to optimise the sustain-
ability of the district.
• A new policy should be introduced across the
entire City Centre precluding adult shops open-
ing in any area within a 500m radius of any
educational institution or place of worship.
Whilst the stated recommendations are indeed
comprehensive, it is felt there must be a holistic
solution to the many challenges the study area
presently faces. It is seen that good management
is key to achieving a sustainable vision for the
area, such as the one outlined. Therefore a large
degree of ‘hands-on’ management is crucial in ad-
dressing the area’s short term problems and long
term challenges. It is felt that while there is cer-
tainly not a shortage of policy or plans, these poli-
cies need to be implemented in a comprehensive
and sustained manner over the long term in order
to see a positive impact.
As such, the key recommendation of Dublin Civic
Trust is the establishment of a dedicated team to
implement both existing and new policy governing
the South William Street Area. Such a team needs
to be multi-disciplinary in nature, where manage-
ment, planning, enforcement and roads mainte-
nance are all co-ordinated in order to solve the
current problems, eradicate the identified threats
and implement the future vision of the City’s pre-
mier retail district.
South William Street Area Study
The Trust are conscious of the financial constraints
in which the local authority operates and does not
recommend the establishment of any new team
lightly. However, this team should be drawn from
existing resources within the Council and the City,
with the sole purpose to manage the said study
area. The establishment of this team can be justi-
fied by looking at the potential of the district and
its special and unique character. In short the area:
• Abuts one of only two Area of Special Planning
Control Schemes in the City.
• Is part of an Architectural Conservation Area.
• Contains some of the finest buildings within the
City.
• Boasts a delicate fine network of streets and
lanes.
• Is part of the South Retail Core of the City.
• Hosts a large number of tourists and shoppers.
The lack of implementation of existing policies de-
signed to protect and enhance the area threatens
the integrity of its unique character and identity.
The key to the future of the district is to promote
this unique character, one which is inherent to
Dublin and not to promote a copy-cat ‘catalogue’
style approach to urban design and placemaking.
This is vital when choosing pavement materials
and street furniture but equally as important when
assessing appropriate land uses and activities for
particular buildings. Sameness does not make a
‘quarter’, rather uniqueness does.
To conclude, with the proper management struc-
ture and attention to detail deemed suitable for
one of the most historic, economically important
and dynamic parts of Dublin City, the South Wil-
liam Street Area has the potential to thrive as one
of Europe’s most successful historic commercial
cores, whilst also promoting the local economy
and selling a unique image of Dublin to the world.
Sameness does not make
a ‘quarter’, rather uniqueness does!
89

South William Street Area Study
References & Further Reading
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Bosselmann, P. (1998) Representation of Places: Reality
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Carmona M. et al (2003) Public Places – Urban Spaces:
The Dimensions of Urban Design, London, The Architectural
Press.
City of Copenhagen (2009) Impact of Copenhagen’s Parking
Strategy, Copenhagen, City of Copenhagen.
Cullen, G. (1961) The Concise Townscape, London, The Architectural
Press.
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
(2009) Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015,
Towards a Sustainable Future: Delivering Quality within
the Built Environment, Dublin, Government Stationary Office.
Derelict Sites Act, 1990, Dublin, Government Stationary
Office [online] available from http://www.irishstatutebook.
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Dublin City Council (2012) Grafton Street Part 8 Explanatory
Booklet, April 2012 [Online]
Available from:
http://www.dcba.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Part-8-Explanatory-Booklet-Reduced.pdf
[Accessed 12 July 2012]
Dublin City Council (2012) Your City, Your Space, Dublin
City Public Realm Strategy, Dublin, Dublin City Council
Dublin City Council (2010) Dublin City Development Plan,
2011-2017, Dublin, Dublin City Council.
Dublin City Council (2008) City Centre Transport Plan, Dublin,
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Dublin City Council (2007) The South City Retail Quarter Architectural
Conservation Area Written Statement [Online]
available from: http://www.dublincity.ie/Planning/Heritage-
Conservation/Conservation/Documents/South%20City%20Retail%20Quarter%20ACA.pdf
[Accessed 2 July 2012]
Dublin City Council (2006) Grafton Street and Environs
Architectural Conservation Area Written Statement
[Online] available from: http://www.dublincity.ie/Planning/
HeritageConservation/Conservation/Documents/Grafton%20
Street%20and%20Environs%20ACA.pdf [Accessed 2 July
2012]
Dublin Civic Trust (2010) Defining Dublin’s Historic Core:
Realising the Potential of the City Centre and its Georgian
Squares for Citizens, Business and Visitors, Dublin,
Dublin Civic Trust.
Dublin Civic Trust (1999) South William Street: A Study of
the Past, A Vision of the Future, Dublin, Argus Press.
Dublin Corporation (2001) Shopfront Design Guide, Dublin,
Dublin Corporation.
DoEHLG (2009) Urban Design Manuel, A Best Practice Guide,
Government Stationary Office, Dublin.
Gehl, J. et al (2010) Cities for People, Washington D.C., Island
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Gehl, J. et al (2006) Close Encounters with Buildings, Urban
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Kodransky, M. & Hermann, G. (2011) Europe’s Parking U-
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[30 October 2009]
Thom’s Irish Almanac and Official Directory, 1900, Dublin,
Alexander Thom and Co. Ltd
Thom’s Irish Almanac and Official Directory, 1850, Dublin,
Alexander Thom and Co. Ltd
Websites
www.englishmarket.ie
www.gehlarchitects.com

South William Street Area Study

©Dublin Civic Trust 2012