The Irish Arts Minister has announced an international design competition for Dublin’s new National theatre.

The new National Theatre, known as the Abbey, will be situated in the Dublin Dockland's at George's Dock. The new build will be over 24,000 sqm and include three theatres and a host of shops, bars, restaurants, and even a cinema and lecture hall.

Extending the capacity from 632 to 1,000, Minister Seamus Brennan described the vision for the new development as an “iconic and dynamic structure”, which would identify Dublin as a “global capital of culture and creativity.”

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A 13-strong jury has been appointed to act as the selection panel for the competition, which should set the stage for a dramatic clamour to secure the prestigious award.

The public will also be given the opportunity to make known their views when a shortlist of submitted designs are put on public display ahead of a decision on a final design for the new National Theatre.

Minister Brennan said: "It must be a design that reflects and embraces the great surges in creativity and culture we are witnessing in the Ireland of the 21st century [and acknowledge] the historic significance of the Abbey to Irish life."

The new National Theatre will be a centrepiece of a new wave of cultural, social and economic amenities that are being developed in the Dublin Docklands, including the new National Convention Centre, the Grand Canal Theatre, the CHQ building, the Point Village and the U2 Tower.

(DW/SP)