The architects and developers behind the redevelopment of Stephen’s Green shopping centre “could do much better”, according to one local councillor. 

Dublin City Council granted permission for the controversial €100 million redevelopment of the landmark shopping centre. 

The plan was put forward by Davy entity, DTDL Ltd, which acquired the parts of the property it did not already own in 2019. 

In the 51-page report approving the plans, the council described the shopping centre as “outdated”. 

The proposal would give the historic façade a major facelift, replacing the glass and ornate ironwork with a new modern design. 

The report by the council said Stephen’s Green shopping centre has faced many issues attracting retailers, including small unit spaces. 

The redesign would also add two stories to the building. 

'Outdated' shopping centre

Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn told Newstalk the current shopping centre is outdated, but the council’s proposals are not helpful. 

“The moment this building was put up, it was outdated,” he said. 

“It's a pretty delipidated site, but this [proposal] isn’t an overall massive development where the whole construction is being taken down. 

“This is an ‘add on, add on, put a here, add a bit there’... what they’re actually doing is taking bits here, bits there, instead of reconstructing the whole site. 

“The thinking of the City Council is askew.” 

'Archi-torture'

Cllr Flynn said the proposed redevelopment is “inappropriate” for the city centre area. 

“It's an iconic site right beside Stephen’s Green, surely the architects and the developers could do much better than this,” he said. 

“This is what’s known as ‘archi-torture’ coming to Dublin. 

“Many people are rightly complaining about the kind of nature of what's being put here, on one of Dublin's most iconic streets.” 

Plans for a €100 million redevelopment of the city centre building were revealed in early January. 

Stephen’s Green shopping centre first opened in 1988.