The Pathology Block, at the National Concert Hall, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2
PROTECTED STRUCTURE The development will consist of the conservation and refurbishment of the existing Pathology Block, one of the buildings included in the National Concert Hall (NCH) Complex, located on Hatch Street Upper. The development includes the change of use of the former UCD School of Medicine to the Learning and Participation function of the NCH. The total floor area of the development is approx. 1401 msq. The Pathology Block, link structure and adjacent Butler Wing (South) are designated Protected Structures within the NCH complex (Reference RPS 2425). The conservation and refurbishment works to the Pathology Block will include a new public entrance to the existing link structure on Hatch Street Upper to provide universal access, 2no. recital spaces, 5no. workshop spaces, offices, new sanitary facilities and additional ancillary support and plant accommodation. The existing sandstone facade and chimney stack to Hatch Street will be cleaned, repaired and conserved. Existing brickwork shall be repointed where necessary. Refurbishment work will include the conservation and repair of existing external windows, doors, roof lights and upgrading of the existing slate roof, including removal of some asbestos slates, and rainwater goods and all minor/repair work. The existing glazing will be retained where possible and works will include installation of slim-line glazing in the two recital rooms and percussion workshops. Secondary glazing will be installed internally to 5no. of the windows of the main recital space. 5no. casement windows will be replaced with new timber sliding sashes, to match the windows on Hatch Street Upper. New heating, ventilation and cooling plant is to be located internally in the first floor area of the West Range, with associated louvres to the roof lantern and condensers in the courtyard garden, new floor and removal of walls and staircase. 2no. window openings are to be adapted, and 2no. new opes to provide fire escape doors on the west elevation. The existing access gate will be relocated to the north. Walls and partitions to be removed to facilitate Workshops 3, 4 and 5 and office 2. Blocked up opes to be reused with new doors and windows to the courtyard. The existing flat roofed timber clad structure over the granite bridge linking the Pathology Block and the Butler Wing is to be removed and the bridge returned to its original condition. A lime render application is proposed on the east elevation facing the Butler Wing. The flat roof and north wall of the link structure to be removed and rebuilt, to accommodate new entrance space, toilet facilities. Internal steps and a platform lift will facilitate universal access to the existing ground floor of the Butler Wing South. The rear wall is to be rebuilt 2.4 meters to the north to accommodate 2 no. universally accessible toilets on the Pathology Block ground floor and the ground floor of the Butler Wing South. In order to facilitate the proposed development, the following demolitions are required: Block A - A 75sqm vacant repair workshop with a flat roof and pre cast concrete coping. Block B - A 9sqm vacant lock-up store of modern blockwork construction, partly rendered. Block C - A 33msq single storey lean-to structure and redundant plant and ducts located to the north side of the Pathology Block to re-instate two high level windows. Block D - An existing 5sqm concrete lean-to shed in the courtyard - housing redundant plant equipment. Block E - An existing 6sqm timber frame enclosure in the courtyard. Modern 1990s mezzanine 141sqm first floor and staircase housing vacant offices. 28sqm timber gallery and stairs. 109sqm Link Structure to include flat roof and rear wall. The external works will comprise hard and soft landscaping, including measures to protect the three mature lime trees, lighting, new steps and gently sloped inclines to facilitate universal access to the proposed new entrance, new folding gates to Hatch Street Upper to replace the existing section of infill railings, 4 bicycle stands (8 bicycles), replacement of existing drainage lines, provision of SUDS features and all associated ancillary drainage and site works on a site area of circa. 0.2628 hectares. The development has been screened for both Appropriate Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment.