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The George's Street Arcade
# Dublin
Dublin launches new 'Creative Quarter' for city centre
The area around South William Street and South Great George’s Street will be marketed as a “hub of innovation”.
PART OF DUBLIN city centre will be branded as the ‘Creative Quarter’ as part of a new drive to highlight specialist businesses.
The new designation will encompass the area around South William Street and South Great George’s Street, which is already home to a number of independent design stores, fashion outlets and cafes.
“The area is a hub of innovation which hosts an exceptional array of designer boutiques, creative businesses and plenty more,” a statement from the Dublin City Business Improvement District announcing the designation said.
The district will sit alongside the ‘Cultural Quarter’ of Temple Bar and environs, which has specially branded street signs and other amenities. However, it has come under fire in recent years with critics saying cultural activities are taking second place to nightclubs and fast-food outlets.
It’s hoped the new Creative Quarter will boost business as thousands of tourists arrive in Ireland for St Patrick’s Day. Stores in the area will break with tradition by remaining open on March 17, which falls on a Saturday this year.
“St Patrick’s Day is an ideal time to showcase the very best of Irish creativity and local design,” said Dublin City BID chief executive Richard Guiney. “Nowhere does this better than creative businesses in the unique quarter of the city between South William Street and South Great George’s Street.”
A number of events will be held on Friday March 16 to launch the new Quarter. Full details are available on dublincitybid.ie.
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