Context and Overview
The document titled "Housing Insights - Office-to-Residential Conversions: Case studies from Tuath Housing" was created by The Housing Agency, a government body in Ireland working in collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance housing delivery and services. Authored by Paul O'Connor and edited by Roslyn Molloy, this report discusses the conversion of vacant commercial properties into social housing, highlighting two successful projects undertaken by Tuath Housing: the Plaza Building in Dublin and Springville House in Cork.
Addressing Housing Needs
In response to a rising housing demand, Tuath Housing converted 86 social housing units at the Plaza Building and 35 units at Springville House from vacant commercial spaces. The agency identified these properties as part of the broader strategy outlined in the Government’s Housing for All programme, which emphasizes utilizing existing stock efficiently and addressing vacancies. This approach aligns with sustainable community development goals by retrofitting older buildings instead of new construction.
Commercial Vacancy Rates
The report highlights the increasing commercial vacancy rates across Ireland, which reached a national average of 14.1% by June 2023, marking a ten-year high. This trend has significant implications for the viability of commercial spaces, particularly in Dublin, where rates have steadily risen since 2018. The shift towards hybrid working models due to the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, leading to an unprecedented number of vacant commercial units.
Sustainability and Carbon Savings
Repurposing vacant buildings has substantial environmental benefits, with the potential to save up to 73% in embodied carbon compared to demolishing and rebuilding. The document emphasizes that office-to-residential conversions contribute to sustainable community development while addressing critical housing shortages. The Park West Plaza project achieved an impressive reduction in embodied carbon—62% less than a new build, demonstrating the environmental advantages of retrofitting existing structures.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Key to the success of these projects was collaboration among various stakeholders, including local authorities and development partners. Tuath Housing worked closely with Dublin City Council and Cork City Council to navigate planning processes and ensure that the needs of future tenants were considered during design and construction. Engaging with tenants early in the design process proved beneficial, as it allowed for the incorporation of features that met their unique needs.
Successful Outcomes
Both projects have successfully delivered new homes: Park West Plaza is now fully occupied, housing over 200 individuals previously on the Dublin City Council waiting list, while Springville House accommodates 35 older social tenants. The cost-effectiveness of these conversions is notable, with average development costs significantly lower than new builds—€309,000 per unit at Park West and €353,000 at Springville House.
Future Prospects
The success of these conversion projects serves as a model for future developments across Europe, particularly in light of the growing number of vacant commercial properties. The report concludes that with continued collaboration and innovative solutions, office-to-residential conversions can play a crucial role in addressing housing shortages while promoting sustainability and community wellbeing.