COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ENTERPRISE AND TOURISM SPC

Thursday, September 06, 2018

HEADED ITEM NO. 2

HEADED ITEM: J. Griffin

2. Innovation Space - Update and next steps

REPLY: 

As the SPC members are aware South Dublin County Council procured a study for the development of new enterprise/innovation space with associated enterprise support services in the County in 2017. The completed report was presented to the members of the County Council, CPG and SPC in April/May 2018 and its recommendations were endorsed following a number of briefings. The primary recommendation is that a 3,000 sq metre enterprise/innovation space be provided in the County at either Grange Castle or Tallaght Town Centre.

The consultants were requested to do further analysis of the preferred locations on the basis of the objectives set out in the study. Following this analysis and discussion they now recommend that the Centre be based in Tallaght.

Accordingly, it is now proposed to invite proposals in respect of the next stages of the project:

1. Advice on specific site selection within the preferred location, (Tallaght Town Centre).
2. Advice on the planning and design of the building on the identified site.
3. Operation and management of the completed innovation/enterprise space.

A DRAFT outline of the project stages are set out below :

Stage 1 : Advice on specific site selection within the preferred location.

The tenderer will examine the preferred location and provide a robust analysis of :

• consideration of variations in site suitability, design, layout, access, costings and planning issues.
• Potential funding methods
• Engagement with stakeholders in this regard. This will include SDCC, ITT, Tallaght Hospital, South Dublin Chamber but further engagement may be required.
• Identification of the most feasible option that provides the best opportunity to meet the needs of South Dublin County for this provision and which can achieve the objectives identified in the feasibility study as efficiently as possible.

Stage 2 : Advice on the planning and design of the building on the identified site.  

The preferred tenderer will be required to advise on, and inform the overall design, internal layout, specification and fit out of the enterprise/innovation centre. This will require technical advice on the design and layout of the building.

Stage 3 : Operation and management of the completed innovation/enterprise space.

The Tenderer will be required to present model(s) for the operation and management of the enterprise/innovation centre.

For all stages tenders will be expected to supply and/or demonstrate:

• Experience in the operation and management of similar projects.
• Experience in the robust financial management of all start up and annual recurrent costs.
• Operational and management options based on similar projects. This should include client selection, support systems, event management etc.
• Projected benefits of project options.
• Potential for job creation and business growth arising from the activity generated by the project.
• Any externalities /non-monetary costs and benefits, for example in terms of regeneration of the area where the facility is developed, impact on community relations etc.
• Overall financial projections, identifying the process and timescale leading to financial viability.

The RFT documents will be drafted and finalised with a view to publishing Tender by end September.