The Wilton Park Impact Framework sets out our approach to measurement from 2023 to 2027. The methodology has been developed based on a detailed analysis of Wilton Park’s potential, drawing inspiration from global best practices and aligning with established technical methodologies where applicable.
We will aim to draw more footfall through Wilton Park’s core and attract additional families and children throughout the week.
We will be integrating complementary commercial destinations to make the area more inviting and appealing to residents, workers, and visitors.
We will be creating initiatives that spark emotional connection so more people feel like they belong in Wilton Park and want to be part of its growing identity.
The park is just one part of our significant plan for public realm improvements. The development has introduced new footpaths, street planting and better lighting. The social hub of our development is a new neighbourhood square named after the distinguished Irish writer Mary Lavin who lived in nearby Lad Lane.
We are committed to transforming Wilton Park into a neighbourhood that supports and celebrates creativity. A place that gives artists the resources and opportunities they need to make and share work. In 2019, we launched Wilton Park Studios in collaboration with the RHA Gallery and since then 15 Irish artists have availed of free 6 – 12 months residencies.
Our placemaking initiatives include doubling the seating capacity in the park and the area and supporting active commuting with bike parking and a drinking fountain. We anticipate that these facilities will encourage even more people to enjoy Wilton Park’s green amenities.
The area around Wilton Park is a thriving commercial district. A large number of workplaces and businesses have located here because of its connectivity and accessibility. As new occupiers move into the office buildings, we expect that local businesses will see an increase in their overall turnover due to a rise in foot traffic to Wilton Park and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Local resident
Audience Interviews, October 2024
Siobhan Callaghan
Artist-in-Residence, 2025
Robert Townshend
Townshend Landscape Architects
Niall Gaffney
Chief Executive, IPUT Real Estate
What we do to achieve our objectives will be measured by the number and types of investments made in the public realm, programming, and governance of Wilton Park.
We’ve always believed that access to quality public space can make or break an urban neighbourhood. Now, we have real-life data to prove it.
Last year, when we closed the park temporarily for renovation, we recorded a sharp decline in visitor satisfaction, footfall and dwell times.
This year, with the park and Mary Lavin Place open, we saw a remarkable turnaround. Visitor numbers didn’t just rebound, they surpassed our 2023/24 benchmarks.
We’re shaping experiences that will make this neighbourhood one of the most inviting destinations in Dublin.
That’s not going to happen overnight. We need to keep listening to feedback from the people who use our public spaces.
And we need to carefully curate the right mix of ground-floor retail units. Choosing partners who will delight locals, excite visitors and support existing local businesses.
It’s about finding balance between good commercial decisions and creating a place that people love.
World-class quality is built into Wilton Park’s DNA. And it shows. The scheme offers very high quality workplaces alongside thoughtfully designed and curated public space.
Feedback from our study is helping us to understand and try to meet the diverse expectations of all our visitors.
We’re broadening the appeal of our street-level units, our park and our public spaces. Finetuning our programme of activities, so we can create a destination with something for everybody. And we’ll be tracking our progress carefully over the next two years of our study.
Five years ago, we introduced branded deckchairs to Wilton Park.
And this year’s report shows that they’re inspiring local business owners to make placemaking initiatives of their own.
It’s early days, but ripple effects like this are a great sign. They show that what we are building here can have a broader impact on the wider community and the city. We’re looking forward to watching how this plays out in our next reporting cycle.
Our writer-in-residence and artist-in-residence programmes and cultural partnerships are sowing the seeds for a new cultural hub in the city. And we’ve teamed up with local organisations and charities to strengthen connection and wellbeing across the neighbourhood.
Programmes like these are quietly shaping Wilton Park into a more vibrant, sustainable, creative community.
The trust and goodwill of Wilton Park’s local groups and residents isn’t a given. It’s built through consistently clear, honest communication. Understanding expectations. Making sure everyone feels valued and included every step of the way.
It’s our job to make sure that everyone knows what’s happening and why. That means reaching out to people where they are. Using social media for key updates. Showing up in the public spaces where people gather. And meeting groups and individuals face-to-face for important conversations.
