Plans to transform National Concert Hall into a world-class auditorium revealed

Seán McCárthaigh

Plans for a multi-million euro redevelopment of the National Concert Hall in Dublin which will transform it into “a world-class auditorium” with additional seating and performance space have been revealed.

The major project aims to increase capacity of the main auditorium at the Earlsfort Terrace venue to 1,350-1,400 seats as well as to accommodate orchestras of up to 106 players and choirs of 170 singers.

The Office of Public Works has applied to Dublin City Council for planning permission for the major redevelopment project of the NCH for what it claims is “a once in a multi-generational opportunity to provide a vital, world-class, cultural destination for music lovers, artists and visitors to Ireland.”

In addition to a major refurbishment of the main auditorium, the plans also include the installation of a new organ and a new dedicated rehearsal studio for the National Symphony Orchestra as well as an extension and restoration of the historic John Field Room and an expansion of the main foyer.

They also provide for a new entrance and a café terrace to the front of the building and a new four-storey extension to the west of the site as well as the demolition of some smaller buildings within the NCH complex.

Overall, the project provides for the restoration and redevelopment of over 16,000m² of the NCH complex in what is the largest redevelopment project ever in Ireland for a national cultural institution.

The 1,200-seater main auditorium in the NCH has not been upgraded since it opened in September 1981.

The NCH said the auditorium, which is the home of the National Symphony Orchestra, is in urgent need of refurbishment as its stage is too small for large orchestras and many elements including the seating and stage floor have reached the end of their lifespans and need to be replaced.

NCH chairperson, Maura McGrath, said the redevelopment of the Earlsfort Terrace complex would create a new and vibrant campus for music in a state-of-the-art facility.

Ms McGrath said the project would transform large, under-utilised areas of the buildings into additional performance and rehearsal spaces while expanding the capacity and technical facilities of the main auditorium.

She said the redevelopment would allow the NSO as well as three choirs – the National Symphony Chorus, Cór Linn and Cór na nÓg – to develop and flourish.

The cost of the redevelopment is being funded as a key project contained in the national development plan, Project Ireland 2040.

“The restoration and redevelopment of our National Concert Hall will bring many benefits but most importantly, will ensure we collectively nurture our world-class musical heritage by providing public and performance spaces for leading Irish and international musicians as well as the next generation of artists,” said Ms McGrath.

She claimed the project would also allow the NCH to double its annual output to over 2,000 separate events which will attract up to 500,000 visitors.

Ms McGrath said: “Most significantly, this investment will preserve one of Ireland’s most historic buildings and ensure a world-class visitor experience that will build an iconic brand for music across the world.”

The OPW’s principal architect, Ciaran O’Connor described the project as “complex and ambitious.”

As the NCH is often described as “the home of music in Ireland,” Mr O’Connor said it was essential that it provides a creative and accessible environment for all users.

It is estimated the refurbished NCH, which will take around five years to complete, will contribute up to €60 million annually to the economy of the greater Dublin area.

The NCH complex will also be the location of the new €70 million National Children’s Science Centre for which planning permission was granted earlier this year.

The history of the Earlsfort Terrace site which houses the NCH complex dates back to 1865 when it was known as the Exhibition Palace when it hosted the International Exhibition of Arts and Manufactures.

The building was later dismantled and replaced by the current structure in 1914, which housed University College Dublin before the NCH was established in 1981.

Public submissions on the planning application for the redevelopment of the NCH can be made up with Dublin City Council up to August 27th.