Construction of Thomas St Student Accommodation Proves Successful by Sinead Agbons

by Sinead Agbons

750 purpose-built student accommodation spaces are under construction in the highlight Thomas Street, Dublin 8

Construction site of the new student accommodation in Dublin 8. Photo by Dieu-Hang Tran

The sector over the past six months has come through a difficult time as regards some features and amenities that needed to be put in place for the wellbeing of the students. Low occupancy was reported by most operators as the accommodation was closed for six months and the majority of learners found it difficult to get new accommodation that was suitable for them and close enough to college.

In Dublin, for example, only 750 bed spaces are being built this year across three buildings. As of the end of June 2020, there were around 4,300 beds under development across fourteen initiatives. Most students lodged in this accommodation are Trinity College and University City Dublin (UCD) learners. “As a thought, close to 250 on-campus bed spaces are under development at Trinity college Dublin’s Osin House in Dublin 2,” said Kris, a learner in Trinity College. With the remaining beds under construction at Ardee Point and Mill Street in Dublin 8, in two privately owned projects runs by ‘Nido’ student and ‘Uninest.’

Nonetheless, while on-line campus learning has recovered to a substantial extent, it will make it faster to get work done. The building at 32 Thomas Street in Dublin 8 is a reconstruction of the historic Frawley’s Store, which closed after more than a century in 2007. The development will provide 750 much-needed student bed spaces as well as new retail premises, with thoughtful rehabilitation and conversion of buildings fronting Thomas Street and a new state of the art purpose-built student accommodation complex behind the conserved buildings.

As they start their new project, it will be a great connection to the universities for new shops from which the freshers can get more amenity. “Two years from now the Highlight Thomas Street student accommodation will be the biggest in Dublin,” said Kris.

Looking at the development, learners currently residing in other counties, where Trinity College and UCD are thinking of relocating to so students can be close to their families and friends. The bed scheme should be able to take new incoming residents according to Paul Bran, the manager of the Highlight Thomas student accommodation.