BLOSSITY
Hofplein 20
3032AC Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Dublin City Benchmark
Location
Dublin
Scale
City
Timeline
6 months
Sector
Sticky Cities
Services
Research
Strategy Advisory
Team
Jorick Beijer
Marije Blok
Wisse Stenchlak
Mila Duvekot
CHALLENGE
To conduct a benchmark analysis of the vitality and investment sentiment of four Northern European city centres – Dublin, Glasgow, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Our challenge was to identify emerging patterns, policies and best practices in the post-COVID reality of downtown live, work, play and stay destinations.
This synthesis of research aimed to help Dublin understand its position in relation to peer cities, learn from innovative solutions, and define future directions to ensure the city’s vitality and long-term viability.
RESPONSE
Data dashboards
Working with research partner Colliers, we began with a comprehensive analysis of the selected cities to identify emerging patterns, strategies and best practices. We took a quantitative approach, using data dashboards to present key trends across the relevant asset classes – residential, office, retail and hotel – providing a clear visual overview of the state of the market in each city.
Market sentiment
We then complemented our quantitative findings with qualitative insights gathered through desk research and interviews with investors such as Patrizia and Round Hill, consumer brands such as McDonald’s and Decathlon, and academic experts. These interviews with market participants (N=8) and policy makers and experts (N=9) allowed us to explore their challenges and strategies. This section highlights how cities are tackling similar issues and presents the best practices that emerged.
Synthesis and strategies
The report concludes with ten actionable recommendations tailored to Dublin’s unique cultural and contextual needs. While successful practices from other cities provide valuable inspiration, our recommendations emphasise the importance of local adaptation. To encourage direct interaction and shared learning, we facilitated a roundtable discussion that allowed participants to reflect on each other’s perspectives and explore additional insights.
Socio-economic
Office
Retail
Residential
Hotel
THE IMPACT
This research highlights Dublin’s considerable potential as a vibrant destination. However, the city faces several challenges that hinder its growth, including bureaucratic barriers to housing development, inadequate public transport and limited airport connectivity. By addressing these issues and capitalising on the opportunities presented by Brexit, Dublin can enhance the regeneration of the city, particularly in areas north of the River Liffey.
The research developed by Blossity clearly outlines the potential that can be unlocked and has been instrumental in catalysing dialogue between the Dublin Town Business Association, Dublin City Council and the Irish national government in formulating new urban policies and models for enhanced local democracy.
