This redevelopment of the old Point Theatre music venue at the Point Depot in Dublin, Ireland involved refurbishment, conservation and alteration work to increase the event capacity to 14,000 seats.

Various schemes for remodelling were considered. The original Point Depot started life as a large cast-iron warehouse. It was built in 1878 by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company as a riverside goods depot and is a protected structure.

The works required to facilitate the chosen scheme were so extensive that it was decided that the only structures/elements of the existing building were the south side, the north and east external facades, the majority of the ground floor slab, the current switchgear and other utility supplies/installations.

All other elements were modified and renewed, with one of the major elements being a new roof. It was important to the client to maintain the heritage of the building, improve acoustic qualities and increased flexibility of use.

AECOM also worked with Acoustic Specialists on this project who were faced with the challenge to transform an existing warehouse-like space into a world class venue with unparalleled acoustics, with acoustic insulation (residential/ hotel surrounding) was also of paramount importance.

The 02 is Europe’s first venue, of its size, which is custom designed for live music. The layout also ensures clear sightlines and proximity to the stage for everyone in the audience, due to its unique tiered seating design.

The venue capacity is 9,500 seated with 13,000 max capacity and a GFA of 18,725 square metres.