This mixed-use development at Balgaddy is the first application of the traditional neighbourhood development (TND) principles to a suburban Dublin community by ARA.

The site, owned by Stewarts Hospital, lies within a recently developed suburban growth area and is surround predominantly by housing developments, schools and shopping centres.

Located approximately 10km west of Dublin City in the heart of what is known as suburban Dublin, Balgaddy has been conceived as an authentic neighbourhood made up of distinct elements of the traditional urban neighbourhood found in Irish Cities and Towns.

The Masterplan for the neighbourhood site on the 27-acre tract of land owned by Stewarts Hospital resulted from a brief given to ARA by Stewarts Hospital.

From this brief, the advice to the Stewarts Hospital Group was not to sell off their land to developers in the traditional manner of health institutions but rather to prepare a Masterplan which would incorporate their planned uses for the coming decade integrated with private housing development.

The development consists of a central relief frame surrounded by residential with retail at ground level and anumber of Stewarts Hospital's specific projects, including residential units for the disabled distributed, throughout the scheme.

In addition, private residential apartments and housing and school use are included within the development to encourage diversity in age and income level.

A range of housing types and sizes are planned, for example houses which may ultimately sell as retirement units will exist next to single family homes and town houses, and rental apartments will be located above shops.

Balgaddy includes a variety of civic amenities and public open spaces with potential for links to adjoining residential developments.

A Special Needs School and a health club are located in the development, providing additional recreational areas. These are linked to the adjoining secondary primary school and to the communal sports facilities serving the adjoining school.