U2 Tower: a tall order for construction firms

TENDERS for the design, construction and financing of the landmark 100 metre U2 Tower and surrounding site at Dublin’s Docklands are being sought from the Government’s e-tenders website.

According to the website, experienced world class developers are being asked to submit expressions of interest in the design of a .78 acre site which incorporates sections of Sir John Rogerson’s Quay and Britain Quay.

The U2 Tower at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay is to be designed primarily for residential usage with a further 1,400 metres square of commercial and public space

It is so named due to the planned presence of the U2 recording studio at the tower and it will also boast a two-storey underground car park and possibly a marina and boardwalk. The recording studios will be housed on its top two floors.

According to e-tenders, a 11,500 square metre building is planned for the adjacent Britain Quay site.

This site is also likely to accommodate approximately 6,400 metres square of residential space with approximately 5,100 metres square of leisure, and commercial usage and an arts and culture space.

A two-storey basement car park, landscaped open spaces and a possible marina and boardwalk are also being examined.

“The successful tenderer will be expected to provide the following services: development services, design, construction, finance, letting, sales, marketing and long term management and maintenance for both the U2 Tower and the Britain Quay Development,” a spokesman said.

“This project presents a landmark development opportunity to deliver a unique and remarkable architectural icon for Docklands and the city of Dublin. The development is one of the most significant of its kind to take place in Ireland, one that sets an adventurous tone for Docklands at home and abroad.”

It planned that the waterfront development, a symbol of the new urban Ireland, will be finished by 2008 and will create 2,000 jobs during its construction period.