Grow College Green Public Realm Project
Grow College Green is a flagship project to reimagine the historic centre of our capital as a destination for everyone, not only a place to shop, work, gather and celebrate, but also a space to pause, breathe and connect. The new design will prioritise universal accessibility, social inclusion, safety, sustainability, biodiversity and greening.
Contact: collegegreen@dublincity.ie
Address: Grow College Green Project Team, Dublin City Council, Block 2, Floor 7, Dublin 8
Phases
Pre-Design Consultation and Report
Overview
The Grow College Green Public Realm Project progressed through its early concept and pre‑design phase, with the aim of transforming one of Dublin’s most historic civic spaces into a safer, greener, and more inclusive public environment. To inform this work, Dublin City Council (DCC) undertook a comprehensive consultation and engagement process to gather insights from the public, stakeholders, and community organisations.
Pre‑Design Survey
As part of the project’s initial concept phase, DCC invited members of the public to share their experiences of the current College Green – Dame Street area and their aspirations for its future design. Feedback was sought through an online survey as well as by written postal submissions.
This early participation was vital to ensuring that the design process is grounded in the needs, expectations, and lived experiences of those who use the space. All submissions received during this phase were reviewed by the Project Team and Integrated Design Team to support the development of initial design considerations.
Pre‑Design Stage (i) Consultation Report
Following the initial survey period, DCC published the Pre‑Design Stage (i) Consultation Report, marking a key milestone in the emerging design process. Between August 2024 and March 2025, a broad programme of engagement was undertaken, extending beyond the public survey (2110 responses) to include:
- Walkabouts with Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs)
- Workshops with local businesses and residents
- Internal stakeholder briefings across DCC
- Collaborative sessions with the Integrated Design Team, led by Scott Tallon Walker Architects and OKRA Landscape Architects
This multi‑layered engagement generated detailed insights into how stakeholders currently experience the area and what they envision for its future. The report captures key themes, opportunities, and concerns raised throughout this process.
How the Feedback Informs the Project
Input gathered from all consultation activities—public, commercial, community, and accessibility‑focused—has played a central role in shaping the emerging design vision. The findings are now guiding the project team as they advance the preliminary design for the new public realm.
The consolidated insights aim to ensure that the final design:
- Enhances safety and accessibility
- Prioritises environmental sustainability
- Reflects the heritage and civic significance of College Green
- Creates a vibrant, inclusive space for residents, workers, businesses, and visitors
Next Steps
The outcomes documented in the Stage (i) Consultation Report informed the next phase of design development. As the project progresses, DCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure the evolving design responds effectively to the needs and aspirations of the city.