IRFU Seeks Development Partner For Hotel Opposite Aviva Stadium

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is seeking expressions of interest for a partner to design, build, finance and operate a landmark hotel and residential development on Lansdowne Road, directly adjacent to the Aviva Stadium.

The opportunity is offered under a long-term ground lease, with the IRFU retaining the freehold interest in the site.

The proposed scheme, known as Lansdowne Quarter, is envisaged as a 257-key hotel and 77-unit residential apartment development, with extensive food and beverage and conferencing facilities. The site is being brought to the market without planning permission, providing the incoming development partner with the flexibility to shape the final design, configuration and overall positioning of the scheme.

“This process allows the IRFU to unlock the long-term potential of a strategically important site, while also retaining ownership of the land,” said Kevin Potts, CEO of the IRFU.

“Importantly, the development will be wholly funded by the successful development partner. The resulting lease income will provide a long-term and significant new revenue stream for Irish Rugby that will be invested into all levels of the game across Ireland.”

From a hotel perspective, CBRE believes the location is supported by a robust and diverse demand profile. The Aviva Stadium is a significant driver in this regard, hosting international rugby and football fixtures, as well as concerts and large-scale events throughout the year. Since opening in 2010, the stadium has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and hosted more than 330 events. Together with nearby venues such as the RDS and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, the location attracts both domestic and international visitors year-round.

The proximity of the site to key employment centres such as Ballsbridge, Grand Canal Dock and Dublin Docklands underpins strong corporate demand.

From a residential standpoint, CBRE said the site is ideally positioned within a prime Dublin address, commanding the highest residential real estate prices in the city. The location benefits from strong connectivity, as the site lies adjacent to Lansdowne Road DART Station, providing convenient access to Dublin city centre and surrounding suburbs.

“The scale of the development, combined with the flexibility around planning and design, allows a partner to create a scheme that fully responds to both market demand and the character of the surrounding area,” said Darragh Deasy, director, development land at CBRE.