U2 Granted Permission for Dublin Visitor Centre

U2 fans will be licking their lips in anticipation tonight, following the news that the planned U2 Visitor Centre in the Docklands area of Dublin has been given the go ahead.

The centre has long been a part of U2's strategy, and will celebrate the band's links to the city of their formation. Originally, it had been intended to be part of what had been dubbed the U2 Tower. However, in the wake of the financial crash, and the collapse in building in Dublin, that grand scheme – offered by the Dublin Dockland Development Agency – had to be shelved. Under that arrangement with the dockland authority, the band had forfeited ownership of their old Hanover Studios building. However, they repurchased this during the 'bust' years – and it became the chosen alternative location for the U2 Visitor Centre.

The original plans were the subject of a plethora of local comments or objections. The planning application was turned down – but they were advised that a scaled down version could be submitted.

Today's decision, by Dublin City Council, now gives the project the go ahead. As one of the 19 conditions attached to the granting of the permission, MHEC Ltd (a U2 vehicle) and Golden Brook (a Paddy McKillen Snr vehicle) will make a contribution of €225,647.

Dublin City Council planners were generous in their praise of the new design, describing it as a "striking and innovative contemporary/modern building in an inner city location" that will "make a positive contribution to the site and to Dublin's urban fabric."