Convention Centre Dublin

Perhaps one of the most distinctive buildings across the Dublin skyline, the Convention Centre is located in the Dublin Docklands. The complex was to be Ireland’s first purpose-built conference center, and the world’s first carbon neutral convention center, and so was a landmark development in more ways than one. Comprised of 27,000 sq.m. of conference center space, and supported by 12,596 sq.m.(240 space) underground parking/loading dock, the facility also boasts an adjoining 24,000 sq.m., 244 rooms JW Marriott 5*Hotel with restaurants, lounges, spa, health club, and swimming pool. Such an extensive project involved complexities from inception to completion, which Linesight was charged with managing and overcoming.

Extensive coordination and management to overcome challenges 

The PPP process posed a challenge given the number of stakeholders, whose inputs were to be co-ordinated and managed. In addition, a fixed price lump sum contract had to be negotiated and agreed with design at only 60% complete, while life cycle costing, whole life costing and cost-in-use were central to early decisions for a building with a 100 year design life. Very detailed specifications and performance requirements had to be integrated with back-to-back contracts for the promoter with the Office of Public Works and the operator for the 25 year term of the agreement.  

Careful co-ordination and recording of all pre-contract decisions was required in order to avoid any potential for conflicts of interest, given that the design team was initially engaged by the promoter and all, other than project management and cost management which were novated to the contractor as part of their design & build offer. Linesight provided complete cost control services following various feasibility, value engineering, and risk assessment studies. Linesight also provided full project management services.  

Groundbreaking sustainability  

Following forty months of construction, the facility was ready for immediate use. Sustainability and modernity was at the forefront throughout the project, in a number of aspects: 

• An ultramodern development incorporating the latest technologies, the Convention Centre Dublin was the world’s first carbon neutral convention center
• It involved the largest pour of Ecocem concrete in Ireland to date
• All of the timber used in the wall and ceiling panelling originated from renewable sources, in addition to the joinery throughout
• The impressive glass atrium spans the full height of the building and offers a bird’s-eye view of the city, as well as being the focal point of the building