The idea for developing a very substantial and significant Enterprise Centre emerged from discussions between Dublin Business Innovation Centre and Diageo (Guinness Ireland Group) from 1994 onwards, relating to the desirability of stimulating enterprise development and business innovation within the Inner City.
In response, Guinness offered Dublin BIC a site and warehouse at Taylor's Lane within its James Street complex as the location for an enterprise centre. It also offered a cash contribution towards the Centre's development. By mid-1997, cash support from the following organisations was committed: Diageo (Guinness Ireland Group), Dublin City Council, Dublin BIC, Dublin City Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland and Guinness Workers Employment Fund (GWEF). The total value of support mobilised for the Centre was approximately 7.5 million euro, to provide a gross area of 6000 square metres of enterprise incubation accommodation.
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Warehouse before Renovation |
GEC after Renovation |
In May 1997, a Steering Committee comprising of representatives from Diageo (Guinness Ireland Group), Dublin City Council, Dublin BIC, Dublin City Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland and Guinness Workers Employment Fund (GWEF) was formed to progress the Centre's development. A design team was formed with the assistance of Dublin City Council. In November 1997, planning permission was granted. They designed a Centre with 77 Units to accommodate 360/400 people.
A management company known as the Dublin Enterprise & Technology Centre Limited (DETCL) was formed in June 1997 with full legal responsibility for developing and managing the Centre. The Centre is registered and operates as Dublin Enterprise & Technology Centre Limited trading as Guinness Enterprise Centre. A representative director from each of the founding members and the local community was appointed. Dublin Business Innovation Centre was appointed by DETCL as manager of the Centre with responsibilities for the fit out, design of broadband voice and data communications systems and for the day to day management of all activities.