The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has announced the appointment of Devey Group as preferred bidder to develop the Performing Arts Centre at Grand Canal Square in Dublin Docklands. The proposed building, a dramatic design by the internationally renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind, will be the centrepiece of the Grand Canal Square project. This announcement follows the Docklands Authority's recent request for proposals for a landmark building of outstanding artistic merit.

The Performing Arts Centre at Grand Canal Square will provide Dublin with a West End / Broadway style theatre. With a seating capacity of 2,000, the theatre will be integrated into a large retail and commercial development.

Commenting on the development Peter Coyne, Chief Executive of the Docklands Authority stated, "The Docklands area is undoubtedly one of the most intensive and exciting development areas in the country and the Grand Canal Square project is a perfect centre-piece. It brings a sophisticated blend of uses into a breathtaking architectural setting. It is sure to be one of Dublin's greatest landmarks".

The Grand Canal Square project, to be developed by Devey Group and Ryde Developments, is a heady mix of international architecture that will become a new urban village for Dublin City. The project combines three major elements:

To the west of the Square, Daniel Libeskind has designed a mix of culture, shopping and offices.

The design envisages the creation of a new indoor street / galleria running north / south containing village centre type outlets. Above the galleria will be a range of individual office suites offering smaller buildings aimed at indigenous city businesses.

The project forms an attractive all-weather connection between the Grand Canal Dock, Liffey quayside and Grand Canal Square. The galleria and the atrium, overlooking the piazza, create grand indoor public spaces, complementing the open public space at the waterfront.

Commenting on the project, Terry Devey, Devey Group said: "Grand Canal Square will be a microcosm of a city centre, offering a combination of small offices over a new city 'galleria', centred on an iconic, high-end performing arts centre, housed in an internationally significant architectural masterpiece"

To the north of the Square, Manuel Aires Mateus has designed a dramatic luxury hotel with 94 Hotel Residences.

Described by the Sunday Times as a building which will "bring the champagne fizz back into architecture in Dublin", the hotel features a dramatic lobby designed as though "excavated from a seven storey rock".

To the south of the Square, Dublin based DMOD have designed an office building "with light". As daylight changes from cold blue to deep orange, the building varies from a solid 3 dimensional object to a transparent one. In contrast to its reflectivity and transparency by day, at night the building glows.

Terry Devey added: "The combination of uses and architecture will ensure that Grand Canal Square becomes as recognisable in the 'memory map' of both Irish and international visitors, as the Lincoln Centre, the Rockefeller Centre, or the Barbican are, to their respective cities."

Grand Canal Square will commence on site shortly and when complete in 2007 will have a value of €475million.