![\"Protestors](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1_PHOTO-2026-05-09-13-41-22-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCrowds have gathered outside the shopping centre to demonstrate against the proposed redevelopment of the building, which has stood since the 1980s<\/p>\n
14:11, 09 May 2026Updated 14:22, 09 May 2026<\/p>\n
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Protestors at the Save Stephen’s Green protest. Image credit: Alfredo Kenny<\/p>\n
Hundreds of people have gathered at the top of Grafton Street in Dublin<\/a> city centre to protest the proposed redevelopment of St Stephens Green shopping centre.<\/a><\/p>\n Crowds have gathered outside the shopping centre, with those gathered hearing arguments from speakers about how the redevelopment would mean a loss of character for the area. Protesters gathered carrying signs which read “down with this sort of thing” and “it’s called Stephen’s Green not Stephen’s grey.”<\/p>\n The Save Stephen’s Green campaign<\/a> arranged the protest to take place Saturday May 9 at 1PM. The group are calling for the relevant authorities to recognise the “historical significance” of the building by listing it as a protected structure.<\/a><\/p>\n They believe that the proposed changes threaten the buildings “distinctive charm” and will “replace it with soulless modernity.”<\/p>\n Campaigners have also launched a petition, which currently carries almost 25,000 signatures, titled Preserve St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre from Redesign.<\/p>\n Dublin City Council’s<\/a> decision to grant planning permission for the overhaul has been met with criticism after approval was granted for the significant redevelopment.<\/p>\n Campaigners at the Save Stephen’s Green protest. Image credit: Alfredo Kenny<\/p>\n The proposal for the 1980s glass and iron landmark at the top of Grafton Street involves partial demolition and rejuvenation, the project has recently been delayed due to an appeal lodged with An Coimisi\u00fan Plean\u00e1la.<\/p>\n More than 60 submissions were previously made to the local authority regarding the development, with the majority understood to be opposed to the plans. May 18 is the closing date for appeals to be made about the plans.<\/p>\n Planning permission<\/a> was granted after applicants DTDL lodged revised plans for the design of the fa\u00e7ade at the centre\u2019s main entrance last month.<\/p>\n The application proposed to increase the shopping centre to eight storeys, reconfigure the retail space, add office space and cinema screens<\/a> and develop a bar or restaurant with a terrace.<\/p>\n Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google<\/a> <\/strong>means you\u2019ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click<\/strong> this link<\/strong> <\/a>to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.<\/strong><\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our<\/strong> Privacy Notice<\/strong> <\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Campaigners](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1_PHOTO-2026-05-09-13-41-22.jpg\")
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