Re: *updates*
IRISH EXAMINER OFFICES AT CITY QUARTER
😉 FINALLY…something I’ve been itching to let known since last July, and now I can. The Irish Examiner are to relocate their non-printing operations to 30,000sq ft of offices at Howard Holdings new City Quarter development on Lapps Quay. The top 2 floors of the City Quarter office building and 2,000sq ft on the ground floor will house the new Irish Examiner HQ. If you remember my posts back in August that Kilquane Ltd (Howard Holdings) were seeking permission (which was eventually granted) for an additional floor of office space to their office building at City Quarter – this was a result of talks with Thomas Crosbie Holdings (the Irish Examiner’s parent holding company). You may remember my recent post stating that 70% per cent of the City Quarter offices had been sold or prelet – this was predominantly due to the Irish Examiner’s interest. It’s a move that makes sense.
Also, you may remember that I posted a ‘Deal Agreed’ status was held on the Examiner’s Lavitts Quay site – this was part of the deal with TCH. Howard Holdings will now take possession of the Lavitts Quay site and develop a 120-bedroom budget hotel w/ 2 floors of retail space & basement parking for 50 cars. An application will be lodged in December – design is by Reddy O’Riordan Staehli (who had originally designed the Irish Examiner HQ building for the site). Construction will begin immediately on grant. PJ Hegarty will be main contractors. This also allows Howard Holdings complete an intention they had been investigating through Carlton Investments for a similar hotel on Lavitts Quay back in 2000 – the site was later purchased by O’Callaghan Properties and incorporated into their 21 Lavitts Quay development.
CAPITOL CINEPLEX
:p In a recent post, I outlined the history associated with the redevelopment of the Capitol Cineplex – and the history stemming from that between Ward Anderson and O’Callaghan Properties. Although up until recently, OCP had been keeping an interest on such a valuable site (they have now indicated their intention to focus primarily on their Academy Street block), you may remember that I announced in that post I came to knowledge of ownership issues concerning the site. I can confirm to you now that Ward Anderson have indeed retained ownership of the Capitol and are now, as prev. mentioned, assessing development options – in conjunction with CCC.
Designs I had outlined previously involved a number of developers who had approached Ward Anderson about the site, namely Limerick-based John Costelloe. Robert Butler was also a name mentioned.
Though Ward Anderson admit they will see the site developed, they are leaning predominantly toward attaining FPP and then putting the site to auction.
CITY PROPERTIES LTD BRING CAPTAIN AMERICAS TO CORK
🙂 City Properties Ltd (owners of the Queen’s Old Castle, Savoy, Classic Bar etc) and who recently were granted planning to redevelop the rear of the Queen’s Old Castle (along South Main Street) for purposes of a restaurant w/ roof garden and nightclub – have announced that they intend to bring the Captain America’s Restaurant Brand (of Grafton Street fame) to Cork at this development. The restaurant will be spread over 2 floors. Wagamama – the international noodle house will also be located at the development. Ridge Developments are the main contractors and are on site already. Design is by Kiosk Architects.
