Harry Crosbie seeks hotel permission

Harry Crosbie, a notable businessman, is making another attempt to gain approval for his proposed hotel project in Dublin’s docklands. His company, Misery Hill Entertainment Ltd, will soon present their plans to the Dublin City Council. The proposal involves the transformation of his residence at 9 Hanover Quay into a 34-bedroom hotel, combined with a soundproof music entertainment venue and a cafe/bar.

They also plan to replace an existing conservatory on the property with an additional building, which will be attached to the protected stone malt house building and feature a two-storey extension above the current roof line. The to-be-developed area falls within the North Lotts & Grand Canal Dock Strategic Development Zone.

The residence at 9 Hanover Quay, bought by Crosbie for €18,000 32 years ago, is classified as a protected structure. Crosbie only recently decided to establish Misery Hill Entertainment Ltd, with his wife, Rita, also serving as a co-director.

The decision to apply for planning permission comes five years after an earlier proposal by Crosbie was rejected. The proposal was for a 19-room boutique hotel at 9 Hanover Quay, but was turned down over disagreements regarding the provision of unrestricted public access to the waterfront at the proposed hotel site.

Crosbie had rebuffed the council’s suggestion to allow unhindered waterfront access. When the council requested him to consider this aspect further, Crosbie had replied that he would rather abandon the project than allow open access to the quayside, as he believed it would lead to disorder and promote antisocial behaviour, inclusive of large crowds of young people hanging out right next to their windows, particularly on sunny days.

Crosbie, who has contributed significantly to the transformation of Dublin’s docklands through projects such as the Point music venue (now the 3Arena) and the Bord Gáis theatre, has expressed concerns about running a business under such circumstances.

In a different part of Dublin, Mr Crosbie is pursuing approval for his proposal on a four-star hotel adjacent to his Vicar Street entertainment hub. The hotel, envisaged as a “rock and room” concept, is set to comprise of 182 rooms.

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