New development launches in Dublin’s Adamstown
St Helen’s is only the second development to launch at Adamstown since the bust, writes Liadan Hynes
When Adamstown first launched in 2003, then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern appeared at a ceremony to celebrate the start of work on the site.
Expectations were high. The development, on a 220 hectare site situated in West Dublin, was Ireland’s first planned town in decades, the last one was at Shannon in Co Clare.
The original plan was to construct 10,000 units in the Adamstown Strategic Development Zone, as well as schools, sports facilities, community facilities and transport links. It was not to be. The bust intervened, and building in the area ceased in 2008/2009 with estimates putting occupancy at that time between 1,3001,400 units, both houses and apartments.
Critics pointed to the slow pace of the construction of amenities and community facilities in the area.
But with the upturn, the first new homes development in Adamstown in nearly a decade launched last year. Alderlie, which came to the market last October, has sold well, with 142 new homes selling in approximately six months.
Selling agent Darren Clendennen of Savills estimates that 98pc of the purchasers were first-time buyers, with a few investors.
St Helen’s, which launches this weekend, is the second brand-new development to launch. It is brought to market by joint agents Savills and Leahy Residential on behalf of developer Castlethorn and this first phase comprises of 57 houses.
Castlethorn is the developer behind Belarmine in Stepaside, Grace Park Wood in Drumcondra, and Avoca Park in Blackrock, among others.
In total, this development will number 135 units. This first phase includes three- and four-bedroom homes in a variety of styles.
Prices start at €285,000 for an approximately 109sqm three-bedroom unit. Larger three-bedroom homes are 119sqm and are priced from €330,000. Four-bedroom homes from 138sqm start at €360,000. All units have a BER rating of A3. There is a variety of two- and three-storey homes, terraced and semi-detached, with a mixture of red-brick and rendered exteriors.
All master bedrooms have en suites with contemporary sanitaryware. Integrated appliances will be included by the developers if contracts are signed within 28 days, and a choice of paint colours is available. All homes come with pull-down ladders to access attics, and the bedrooms have fitted wardrobes.
Adamstown railway station is roughly 750m away, with travel times of 20 minutes to Heuston station, 30 minutes to Connolly, and 40 minutes to Grand Canal Dock.
The area is also well serviced by bus routes and road networks. A lack of amenities was an earlier criticism of the Adamstown project. The developers have announced that construction on the Adamstown Sports Hall and Community Centre, as well as an all-weather pitch, will begin in the coming weeks, with completion due in early 2018.
There is now a neighbourhood shopping centre which includes a Londis. Lucan Shopping Centre, and Liffey Valley Shopping Centre are nearby.
St Helen’s will be flanked by two parks, Airlie Park, running to 29 acres, and Tandy’s Lane Park, at 20 acres.
Viewing: Today, 2-4pm Agents: Savills (01) 618 1300 / Leahy Residential (01) 601 1811