More than 160 apartments are to be built in Dublin in a project that is expected to create 120 construction jobs.

Kennedy Wilson Europe Real Estate said it has signed contracts with John Sisk for the construction of an additional 166 apartments and 15,000sq ft of commercial space at Vantage in Dublin 14.

Kennedy Wilson acquired Vantage – a Leopardstown residential development – this year.

It comprises 272 apartments and 31,000sq ft of commercial space.

Construction of the additional units will start in January and will be completed in the second half of 2016.

Kennedy Wilson Europe managing director Peter Collins said, “Since we acquired Vantage we have already invested significantly in improving the residential offering at the property and this next phase . . . will help us meet the demand for quality rental accommodation in the area and will make Vantage one of the largest rented residential communities in south Dublin.”

John Sisk managing director Garry Crabtree said the project comes at a time when housing is badly needed.