Mortar & More

Its Location & Legacy

Its Location & Legacy

Trish“It opened in 1881 as Dublin’s first purpose-built marketplace selling fresh produce and flowers. Its Victorian features, red brick and terracotta decorative turrets, and grand gothic entrance quickly became an architectural gem bounded by bustling streets – Drury Street, Exchequer Street, South Great George’s Street and Fade Street.

Many can comment that the arcade has not changed for years, giving a nostalgic feel to the place with well-rooted establishments like Simon’s Place, Spindizzy and Stoke’s books still present. Great additions like the popular cheesemonger and wine shop Loose Canon have cemented the arcade as a prime retail location. We explore how to represent and preserve its eclectic vibe best through fresh design takes without compromising George’s Street Arcade’s strong community and presence.”

Architecture within the space

Architecture within the space

Marcus “The Victorian-Gothic style arcade itself dates to its original construction in 1881, designed by Bradford based Architects Lockwood & Mawson, linking South Great Georges Street and Drury Street with retail outlets to both sides of the internal arcade and a central vehicular thoroughfare. 

Many of the arcade’s period features are still evident throughout such as the high-level stained glass windows, arched brickwork and feature lantern lighting.

Subsequent fixtures and services to the space over the years has somewhat masked, thus reduced the impact of the main structural elements.  However, with a renewed emphasis on a considered and collective design approach, the arcade can be revitalised to include the original charm with a modern and flexible retail experience in this vibrant, bustling part of the city centre.”

Flexibility

Flexibility

Dave “There is a great opportunity for a holistic design approach that utilises the potential of this flexible and open layout, which seems to have been sadly neglected as of late.  A crucial component to the success of the space is the idea of it being reusable and should support flexible change over time.

The arcade would benefit from open views through the space. The period features should be allowed to breath. More open sightlines from one entrance to the other would offer visitors a more comfortable journey through the arcade.

The design of this retail space should enrich the space and complement the existing architecture and not take away from it. This space should be an inviting community space, providing a meaningful experience for visitors and local community.“

The Market Heritage

The Market Heritage

Kate “Marketplaces are great, all of them, doesn’t matter. It’s the state of mind they put you in. Generally, because you are on your own time and have the space to get lost in the spontaneity of it all. You are subject to all manner of things as you stroll along…… Loud music, market traders, delicious food smells, sampling unusual products and meeting friends. These multisensory experiences can help all of us, in a good way.

Marketplaces are fluid, they expand and contract. There one day, sometimes gone the next. Often there are local diamonds in the mix that you will see every time you visit, this is reassuring. However, the intrigue is that you may find something new next time around.

Perhaps this is time for a bit of reflection around George’s Arcade’s current offer. Are they providing enough flexibility? Are they missing a trick? Perhaps creating a new system that embraces newer small brands on shorter timelines whilst celebrating existing long timers would have a positive impact on the entire market and its visitors. This building is in the heart of a bustling community yet if feels tired and has been, sadly left behind.”

A Future Presence

A Future Presence

Liz “Georges Street Arcade is a stunning example of architecture from this period.  In need of some restoration the arcade could, once again be restored to the cohesive retail offering which it was originally developed to be.

There are opportunities to be had in these spaces. Similar arcades in cities around the world are revitalised as retail destinations, retaining firm favourites while complementing them with both burgeoning and established retailers as ‘retail guests’ to the space staying for shorter periods of time which allows the arcade to be ever evolving and fresh whilst gaining new followers and trade.

Some examples of markets which are continually moving forward are the Burlington Arcade in London, Gallerie Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, and at home, the English Market in Cork. New offerings entering these arcades, allows them to breathe new life into the space they inhabit.

Perhaps the future for Georges Street Arcade will be realised by revisiting it’s former glory days in 1950’s Dublin where there was constant chatter, the bustle of trade and the warm, open embrace of community retail.”