THE CLOCK TOWER BUILDING LOWER GRANGEGORMAN
The Clock Tower Building, Grangegorman: A Storied Past, A Promising Future
History
Construction and Original Purpose: The Clock Tower building, designed by the renowned architect Francis Johnston, was completed in 1816. It was initially intended to serve as the Richmond Penitentiary, reflecting the then-prevalent architectural style of penitentiaries in Britain and Ireland.
Evolving Roles: Despite its initial purpose, the building's function shifted multiple times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
1818: Briefly repurposed as a Fever Hospital.
1820-1831: Operated as a prison, housing both male and female inmates.
1832-1834: Converted into a Cholera Hospital during an outbreak.
1836-1874: Became the first exclusively female penitentiary in the UK and Ireland, also serving as a transportation depot for women and girls awaiting transportation to Tasmania.
Post-1874: Due to overcrowding in other prisons, the north wing once again housed male prisoners.
Late 20th Century: The building was largely abandoned and fell into disrepair.
Recent Developments
Stabilisation and Refurbishment:
2013: A conservation and condition report was published, outlining necessary works.
2014: Initial stabilisation and partial refurbishment works began to safeguard the building's historic fabric.
2016: Additional works, including re-pointing lime mortar and installing ramps, were carried out to improve accessibility.
2022: Further refurbishment works reached substantial completion in October, ensuring the building's structural integrity and preserving its historical features.
Current Status (2024)
Offices and Administration: The Clock Tower Building currently serves as office space for the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA).
Iconic Landmark: The building remains a prominent feature of the Grangegorman campus, its distinctive clock tower serving as a visual reminder of its historical significance.
Future Plans
Academic Space: The Grangegorman Masterplan designates the Clock Tower Building for future use as academic space for the College of Engineering & Built Environment of TU Dublin.
Continued Preservation: While specific plans for its adaptation into academic space are yet to be finalised, the building's protected status ensures its continued preservation and careful integration into the evolving Grangegorman campus.
History
Construction and Original Purpose: The Clock Tower building, designed by the renowned architect Francis Johnston, was completed in 1816. It was initially intended to serve as the Richmond Penitentiary, reflecting the then-prevalent architectural style of penitentiaries in Britain and Ireland.
Evolving Roles: Despite its initial purpose, the building's function shifted multiple times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
1818: Briefly repurposed as a Fever Hospital.
1820-1831: Operated as a prison, housing both male and female inmates.
1832-1834: Converted into a Cholera Hospital during an outbreak.
1836-1874: Became the first exclusively female penitentiary in the UK and Ireland, also serving as a transportation depot for women and girls awaiting transportation to Tasmania.
Post-1874: Due to overcrowding in other prisons, the north wing once again housed male prisoners.
Late 20th Century: The building was largely abandoned and fell into disrepair.
Recent Developments
Stabilisation and Refurbishment:
2013: A conservation and condition report was published, outlining necessary works.
2014: Initial stabilisation and partial refurbishment works began to safeguard the building's historic fabric.
2016: Additional works, including re-pointing lime mortar and installing ramps, were carried out to improve accessibility.
2022: Further refurbishment works reached substantial completion in October, ensuring the building's structural integrity and preserving its historical features.
Current Status (2024)
Offices and Administration: The Clock Tower Building currently serves as office space for the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA).
Iconic Landmark: The building remains a prominent feature of the Grangegorman campus, its distinctive clock tower serving as a visual reminder of its historical significance.
Future Plans
Academic Space: The Grangegorman Masterplan designates the Clock Tower Building for future use as academic space for the College of Engineering & Built Environment of TU Dublin.
Continued Preservation: While specific plans for its adaptation into academic space are yet to be finalised, the building's protected status ensures its continued preservation and careful integration into the evolving Grangegorman campus.
THE CLOCK TOWER BUILDING LOWER GRANGEGORMAN