National Concert Hall, Dublin

The redevelopment aims to transform the Irish National Concert Hall at Earlsfort Terrace into a world-class centre for music while restoring the protected 1865 exhibition building, parts of which are in disrepair and unused. Five overlapping project teams must coordinate a complex, phased programme while the venue remains operational during much of the works. A constrained city-centre site beside the Iveagh Gardens, a high water table and extensive services replacement add further challenges, requiring careful planning to protect historic fabric and maintain continuity.

WH Stephens - a Gardiner & Theobald company is providing full Cost Management services across all three redevelopment phases. From the preliminary stages, the team has helped the OPW establish budgets through elemental cost plans and regular cost checks, advising on design, phasing, procurement and value management. Services include Bills of Quantities, tender evaluation, monthly cost reporting, valuations, change control and final accounts. Cost advice also accounts for the future recital hall within the wider masterplan, supporting coordinated investment across the historic campus.

The redevelopment will create a revitalised national centre for music, with a modernised 1,350-seat auditorium, enhanced backstage facilities, a dedicated National Symphony Orchestra rehearsal studio and a music education centre. A Winter Garden, improved accessibility and renewed connections to the Iveagh Gardens will enrich the visitor experience, while the programme targets LEED 'Gold' and nearly zero-energy building standards. WH Stephens’ ongoing Cost Management is supporting budget control across the phased works while helping balance heritage conservation, operational requirements and long-term cultural ambition.