A new 200-seater entertainment venue, ‘Baby Vicar,’ is set to revitalize Dublin’s docklands, with plans for its development alongside a 4-star, 35-bedroom hotel at Hanover Quay. Businessman Harry Crosbie, known for his role in the rejuvenation of the docklands, believes the venue will “bring light and life to a dark place.”
The proposed venue and hotel will be housed in a two-story glass cube designed by PRC Architecture & Planning. This innovative structure will ‘oversail’ the protected building at 9 Hanover Quay, which has served as the home of Crosbie and his wife, Rita, for the past 30 years. The planning application involves repurposing their residence into a mixed-use hospitality and entertainment space.
In a letter accompanying the application to Dublin City Council, Crosbie described ‘Baby Vicar’ as an “all-day people gathering hub with hotel backup.” Aiken Promotions will manage the venue’s schedule, which is expected to feature a variety of events, including weddings, business podcasts, and intimate supper clubs with live music.
Crosbie, who played a key role in the development of the 3Arena, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, and the Convention Centre Dublin, remains committed to enhancing Dublin’s cultural infrastructure. Speaking about the project, he said, “Dublin deserves it,” emphasizing that the time is right for a new live entertainment venue, particularly as public interest in TV and gadgets declines.
Planning consultant William Doran stated that the hotel and venue will provide a dynamic hub of activity on the waterfront, helping to integrate the area with the upcoming U2 Experience. He highlighted that the project will “bring life to an area suffering from the failure of Grand Canal Square to fulfill its objective of serving the community.”
Doran also pointed out that Crosbie was instrumental in the area’s regeneration, which now hosts over 27,000 residents and 44,000 workers. “It is now time to allow the building to serve a new generation,” he added.
The proposal is expected to boost local employment and stimulate economic activity, attracting visitors to the Grand Canal Square and Dock area. Misery Hill Entertainment Ltd has re-submitted the planning application after Dublin City Council invalidated the initial proposal last September due to technical issues. A decision on the revised application is expected in April.
The proposed venue and hotel will be housed in a two-story glass cube designed by PRC Architecture & Planning. This innovative structure will ‘oversail’ the protected building at 9 Hanover Quay, which has served as the home of Crosbie and his wife, Rita, for the past 30 years. The planning application involves repurposing their residence into a mixed-use hospitality and entertainment space.
In a letter accompanying the application to Dublin City Council, Crosbie described ‘Baby Vicar’ as an “all-day people gathering hub with hotel backup.” Aiken Promotions will manage the venue’s schedule, which is expected to feature a variety of events, including weddings, business podcasts, and intimate supper clubs with live music.
Crosbie, who played a key role in the development of the 3Arena, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, and the Convention Centre Dublin, remains committed to enhancing Dublin’s cultural infrastructure. Speaking about the project, he said, “Dublin deserves it,” emphasizing that the time is right for a new live entertainment venue, particularly as public interest in TV and gadgets declines.
Planning consultant William Doran stated that the hotel and venue will provide a dynamic hub of activity on the waterfront, helping to integrate the area with the upcoming U2 Experience. He highlighted that the project will “bring life to an area suffering from the failure of Grand Canal Square to fulfill its objective of serving the community.”
Doran also pointed out that Crosbie was instrumental in the area’s regeneration, which now hosts over 27,000 residents and 44,000 workers. “It is now time to allow the building to serve a new generation,” he added.
The proposal is expected to boost local employment and stimulate economic activity, attracting visitors to the Grand Canal Square and Dock area. Misery Hill Entertainment Ltd has re-submitted the planning application after Dublin City Council invalidated the initial proposal last September due to technical issues. A decision on the revised application is expected in April.
