THREE CAMPSHIRE buildings fronting onto the river Liffey in the Dublin docklands are to be offered for sale by Nama after being taken over from the ill-fated Dublin Docklands Development Authority. Two of the buildings at Sir John Rogerson's Quay served for many years as the BJ Marine Warehouses, while the third is a retail unit at Longboat Quay, directly opposite Grand Canal Dock.
Niamh Sheahan of CBRE, who is handling the sale, says there has already been strong interest in the buildings because they had "phenomenal potential" and were keenly priced to sell.
Most of the interest is likely to come from the restaurant industry because of the unique quayside locations and the fact that they are in areas with extremely large workforces.
Ms Sheehan said the new owner of the BJ Marine buildings would have the opportunity to refurbish and convert the warehouses into attractive commercial units, taking advantage of their waterfront location as well as the growing demand for services in what was a vibrant business district.
The BJ Marine complex dates from the 1880s and comprises two double-height detached buildings extending to 615 sq m (6,619 sq ft) and 294 sq m (3,164 sq ft). Both warehouses are located close to the Samuel Beckett Bridge and are close to the corporate offices of O2, Grant Thornton and State Street Bank. CBRE is quoting a sale price of €525,000 for the bigger unit, but in the unlikely event that a buyer does not emerge, the building will also be available for letting at €60,000 per annum. The smaller building has a price tag of €400,000 or a rental figure of €40,000 per annum. The building at Longboat Quay has a floor area of 92.9 sq m (1,000 sq ft) and a guide price of €300,000. If a purchaser does not materialise, Nama will consider renting it at around €35,000 per annum.
