The ESB has announced that the Grafton and O'Mahony Pike consortium has been selected as the winner of an architectural competition for a new headquarters on Dublin's Lower Fitzwilliam St.
The new design is intended to replace the current headquarters built in 1965 following the destruction of 16 early 19th century townhouses which were part of Dublin's so called Georgian Mile.
But Dublin city councillors have voted for the original Georgian facade to be reinstated and this is now part of the city's development plan which according to some councillors could make it difficult to get planning permission for a modern office building on the site.
The ESB says the new design will not be made public for a number of months until contracts are agreed in advance of a planning application expected next year.
In a statement the company says that it has not yet been decided whether the redevelopment will actually go ahead.
'ESB will fully evaluate the project's viability based on the prevailing economic and market outlook once the planning process is completed'.
The ESB says it is now entering into negotiations with the consortium which also includes the international architecture firms DEGW and BDSP.
The new design will not be made public until contracts are agreed in advance of a planning application.
