Refurbishment of ‘The Kiosk’, Rathgar, Dublin 6.

Description

The refurbishment and extension of the vacant buildings at Orwell Road has provided a positive addition to the local community of Rathgar and surrounding area. The previously vacant kiosk and separate toilet block have been redeveloped to modern standards with a new café unit and accessible public toilet created.
‘The Kiosk’ is located at the entrance to Orwell Park and now provides a stopping point with opportunity to rest along the popular River Dodder walking route.
The reopening of the building has generated increased social connection and engagement for the local community and enhanced the walkability of the area for all ages.
Two existing stone buildings were connected and extended to create a larger café unit. A new glazed shopfront faces onto Orwell Road and returns along the pathway to the park to meet the existing stonework walls making the café a bright and welcoming space. Morilles Coffee operate the café space which includes outdoor benches as well as internal seating and a level entrance threshold. Conveniently located waste bins promote a well-maintained environment.
The new accessible public toilet is accessed externally, separate to the café. A lobbied entrance provides privacy. Signage on the building façade above the entrance highlights its location. A new ramp with handrails to both sides provides access to the public toilet. The public toilet is fully accessible by wheelchair with a 1.5m turning circle and also includes a baby changing station to facilitate use by all ages and abilities. The facility is open during café opening times and maintained by the café operator.
New lighting has been fitted to the building’s exterior and the surrounding footpaths were upgraded to improve visibility and safety.
The works also included repairs to the structure of the existing buildings and to the stonework. The interior of the building has been insulated to boost overall thermal performance and comfort.
These improvements to the buildings have created a safe, inclusive and accessible amenity, contributing to a more age friendly community for all and positively impacting the ability of older people to remain active in the area.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the initiative was to provide new amenities for the local community through the reuse of existing vacant buildings with the inclusion of universal design and age friendly features. The welcoming design and the provision of a fully accessible public toilet and café with seating positively impact the ability of older people to be active in Rathgar, Orwell Park and along the Dodder river.

Who is it aimed at

The local community and in particular older people who want to be active.

3 Steps critical to success

1. The inclusion of Age Friendly and universal design elements enabling older people to remain active in their local area such as public toilet, seating, bins, wayfinding, green area.
2. Provision of a functional, accessible, safe amenity.
3. Coordinating an internal and external team with effective project management.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Condition of the existing buildings – Unforeseen and uncovered additional works due to condition of existing building fabric and services impacted the construction programme.
2. Providing level access to the café unit and public toilet which were two separate buildings at different levels and required ramp access.
3. Incorporating current Building Regulations within the existing buildings including Part M requirements relating to accessible toilets.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Enhanced walkability of area with opportunity for rest facilitating greater opportunity for older people to be active in their local area.
2. Provision of a conveniently located, well maintained and accessible café and public toilet for the local area with appropriate signage and bins.
3. The reuse of previously vacant existing buildings in a key location in Rathgar. The new café and public toilet enhance accessibility to Orwell Park and the Dodder walk.