The Village
Newgrove Avenue & Strand Road Junction
A MORE ATTRACTIVE JUNCTION AND REVEALING THE GANDON VILLA
This project would create a more pedestrian-friendly and attractive junction by replacing the existing bollards and traffic signposts with a planted roundabout with signage. The traffic-calming function will thus be maintained but with a more civic landscape element. It would also spotlight the historically and architecturally significant Gandon Villa, designed around 1790 by the great Dublin architect, James Gandon.
Newgrove Avenue connects Sandymount Village with the sea coming from the eastern end of Sandymount Green and thus marks the point of arrival at the seafront at its junction with Strand Road. The space is currently dominated by the traffic calming measures such as roundabout and traffic islands.
The proposal here aims to civilise the space making it more pedestrian-friendly and imbuing it with a stronger sense of place by connecting to the adjacent historical architecture and the sea.
The proposal involves the removal of the existing bollards and traffic signposts and the replacment with a planted roundabout with signage. The traffic-calming function will thus be maintained but with more civic landscape elements
Imagined landscaping & modifications to the walls of the school grounds.
Aerial view showing proposed crossing points which will prioritise pedestrians, planted
roundabout and public seating.
Aerial view showing existing roundabout in relation to the axial view towards the facade of Gandon’s ‘Roslyn Park’ - now the Educate Together School
Historical photographs showing the original proximity between the Church and the waterfront which was then at the end of Leahy’s Terrace (water marked in blue).
A contemporary image of
the building restored
Click pictures to enlarge
Pedestrian movement will be prioritised through the creation of raised crossing points connecting the re-paved footpaths with the traffic islands. This will also provide for safer and more accessible crossing points. The plantings of the roundabout and new trees as well as the addition of planter boxes and public seating will all contribute to improved biodiversity and a more pleasant public realm.
It is proposed that openings be made in the existing wall to the grounds of the Educate Together School in order to reveal a view towards the impressive facade of their original building ‘Roslyn Park’ designed by James Gandon in the late 18th Century.
