developments in cork
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The viaduct is currently floodlit, but they did a very poor job of it. The scheme doesn’t show the viaduct in a good light (sorry, awful pun 😮 ) and one of the poles is actually very dangerous for oncoming drivers as the dazzle and glare it creates is significant.
@Radioactiveman wrote:
I’d rather see the viaduct carrying trains to west cork again but nonetheless, i’m intrigued by this idea. It certainly deserves to be cleaned and floodlit to act as a real gateway.
Tell me one thing though, where is the original rail line that ran from the train station to the start of the viaduct. I’m a bit too young to remember it in action but I can’t work out through which parts of the city it ran and where it crossed the Lee.
If its gone, I hardly think train services to Bandon will ever reappear.
@Micko wrote:
Tell me one thing though, where is the original rail line that ran from the train station to the start of the viaduct. I’m a bit too young to remember it in action but I can’t work out through which parts of the city it ran and where it crossed the Lee.
If its gone, I hardly think train services to Bandon will ever reappear.
It ran down what is now the South Link Rd. Near to the current location of the Kinsale Rd Roundabout, the Macroom line and the Bandon Line split. The Bandon Line gradually went up the hill and ran through what is now the halting site at Forge Hill. Between Forge Hill and the Viaduct, the remains of the embankments can be seen, but on the city side it has been almost entirely built over. That wouldn’t necessarily be a problem as you could easily cut and cover down the Kinsale Rd.
However, it would be necessary to consider whether it would be better to use a different alignment anyway. You could easily divert the line to run through the airport, but this would mean missing the viaduct. There are also problems with the line having been built on in Bandon.
The real pity is that the Macroom line has disappeared. It went to Macroom via Capwell, Togher, Bishopstown and Ballincollig. Imagine if it was now possible to run trams on just the Cork-Ballincollig section of that.
@Micko wrote:
If its gone, I hardly think train services to Bandon will ever reappear.
It’s a pity, but inevitable. I’d love to see any part of this line restored – even much further out Skibbereen-Ballydehob along the river Ilen would be beautiful.
Hard to believe there were so many railway stations in Cork city at one stage.
@Radioactiveman wrote:
Finally for now, does anybody else think that the new wall and railings erected in front of The Counting House at Beamish and Crawford are a disgrace? The wall is just poured concret, the railings themselves are terribly designed which has resulted in the need to install chunky metal barriers between the top of the wall and the bottom of the railing. If you havent seen it already, take a look next time you’rte passing. It looks like a monumental cock-up.!
I walk by every day, and they’re shocking. Hard to believe, but the old railings were better!
For those that haven’t seen it, the lower part is a rough, bland concrete barrier (somewhat akin to the barriers you might see skirting F1 tracks), topped by an unpainted railing that’s far too tall, with a gap of about a foot in between. Seeing this gap, I was hoping that it was a work in progress, and they might be planning on adding a stone face to the wall, perhaps with potted plants or flowers on top under the railing, which might be nice.
But no, they’ve since tacked on another square rail between the wall and railing which matches neither. A little bizarre.
On the subject of Beamish; what restrictions exist on erecting floodlighting on a building? I live in an apartment block across the river from Beamish, and when I walk into my living room the floodlights hit you so hard you have to squint or look away. Do you think they’d be receptive to a polite request to adjust the angle slightly so it’s hitting the Counting House facade more directly, and not shining right into peoples’ houses?
@A-ha wrote:
I agree, I’m surprised that manky green signage stayed for as long as it did. I don’t know how anyone can say that they will miss it. It’s so vile and as said by phatman, a reminder of the city back in the 80’s, which weren’t really the most spectacular years of Cork’s history.
A-ha the shopfront dates from considerably before 1980 and I agree the loss of major employers of such as Verlome, Dunlop and Ford hardly endeared that period to the City.
To understand Vitrolite you should consider that this material was the most modern and expensive material of its time i.e. the 1930’s through 1950’s and was displayed on many of Irelands main streets and secondary streets in major cities such as Cork.
I will miss it as it formed part of the rich tapestry of buildings on Oliver Plunket Street from a number of periods which makes it one of Irelands premier leisure streets. I am sure that the shopfront could have been adapted to suit a similar usage as is common with cafes trading out of listed former butcher shops from the Edwardian period typically clad in bright terracota frontages that up to 15 years ago werem also regarded as manky or vile in many quarters. It is also clear to me that Butlers could have found an alternative premises from which to trade.
@Micko wrote:
Tell me one thing though, where is the original rail line that ran from the train station to the start of the viaduct. I’m a bit too young to remember it in action but I can’t work out through which parts of the city it ran and where it crossed the Lee.
If its gone, I hardly think train services to Bandon will ever reappear.
🙂 Forgive me if im wrong on this, i think that Albert Quay House / Howard Holdings Webworks building was the station for the Bandon line.
Regarding Butlers, as I recall only down the road l’Occitane (itself a chain) moved in and made a virtue of some original features. There are countless examples internationally where “global corporate branding” is not an obstacle when dealing with local planning. The brand is altered to accommodate the environment it finds itself in. What’s makes Butlers so bloody special? At least it Butlers who moved in and not Vodafone.
@kite wrote:
🙂 Forgive me if im wrong on this, i think that Albert Quay House / Howard Holdings Webworks building was the station for the Bandon line.
Oh, so the line didn’t go all the way into Kent. Prob makes more sense. So the line ran down the South Link Road and then along the South Ring Road ?
Did that train station also serve the Mahon line ?
I think this was metioned way back, but the Albert Quay webworks development currently being built by Howard was the old terminus of the West Cork line. The shunting yards extended into what was until recenlty the An Post sorting office and will soon be the Eglinton St residential tower. Interestingly, there was a link line connecting Kent Station to Albert Quay. This link traversed the Brian Boru Bridge (think that is the name, correct me if wrong) and an allignment to Kent.
Capwell Station now serves as the Bus Eireann depot but used to be the terminus of the Macroom Line I believe.
The Crosshave Line terminus is not far from Albert Quay and the original building is still in situ although used as a commercial premises presently. The Terminus for the Youghal Line was originall on Summerhill North but changed to Kent when that station opened.
Think I have covered all the stations there, but please correct me if I am wrong with regards to any of the above.@corcaighboy wrote:
I think this was metioned way back, but the Albert Quay webworks development currently being built by Howard was the old terminus of the West Cork line. The shunting yards extended into what was until recenlty the An Post sorting office and will soon be the Eglinton St residential tower. Interestingly, there was a link line connecting Kent Station to Albert Quay. This link traversed the Brian Boru Bridge (think that is the name, correct me if wrong) and an allignment to Kent.
Capwell Station now serves as the Bus Eireann depot but used to be the terminus of the Macroom Line I believe.
The Crosshave Line terminus is not far from Albert Quay and the original building is still in situ although used as a commercial premises presently. The Terminus for the Youghal Line was originall on Summerhill North but changed to Kent when that station opened.
Think I have covered all the stations there, but please correct me if I am wrong with regards to any of the above.Almost all the stations. There was a terminus for the Cork and Muskerry Light Railway on the site of what became Jury’s Hotel. This was a line to Blarney (by a different route from the Dublin mainline) and Donoughmore.
@corcaighboy wrote:
The Terminus for the Youghal Line was originall on Summerhill North but changed to Kent when that station opened.
.I’m guessing this is why there is an extension to the Youghal line which passes over the tunnel with the Dublin line ?
Lex,
Your teasing of an aviation-related development has me intrigued – any chance the following link provides some insight?
@theblimp wrote:
Lex,
Your teasing of an aviation-related development has me intrigued – any chance the following link provides some insight?
Surely this is madness!!!
It certainly doesnt fit in with this particular company’s M.O. Surely if they were going to enter that part of the industry, they would have picked somewhere slightly more desirable in Europe than East Cork. Besides, with the prospect of a second-hand terminal becoming available on the road to Kinsale soon at a very reasonable cost, it doesnt make sense.Gardner House
Final bids for 1, South Mall (Gardner House) were scheduled for final submission last Friday 26th of May. The 6-storey, 1,624sq m office building is anchored by a number of well-known tenants such as PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Lisney (who have recently leased out a large ground-floor unit – the investment is being sold through Davin Auctioneers and Lisney on behalf of Ellier Developments with an AMV situated in and around the €7.75m – current rental yields are approx. 3.75% with scheduled reviews set to increased this percentage in excess of 5%. The building also provides the thought option of some further development work or simply a retention investment opportunity. A number of bids are understood to have input on the prominent building, however the details of these constituent bids are not clear to me.
I’ll try and get some more news up later. Still recovering and not in the best of condition to post more for the time being.
@theblimp wrote:Lex,
Your teasing of an aviation-related development has me intrigued – any chance the following link provides some insight?
I really am not in a position to post specifics quite yet. Sorry.
@Micko wrote:
I’m guessing this is why there is an extension to the Youghal line which passes over the tunnel with the Dublin line ?
Spot on Micko. In fact, it was owned by the scouts and parts of the old platform were still there when I was a wee lad many moons ago.
This is a little off but I just wanna know out of pure curiosity, do O’Flynn construction have any designs on large docklands developments do ye think? Its clear Howards do and Flemings are supposed to have been trying to swing something. If anyone knows i’d be very interested to hear.
🙂 Scott Tallon Walker Architects have been cleared for the redevelopment and extension to existing an Victorian terrace (including remodelling of former Cork Grammar School) at Patrick’s Place along the historic Wellington Road, as part of a mixed use development of 0.08 hectare site. The proposed development comprising four storeys over lower ground floor and basement includes 10 no. apartments, 653.26 sq. m of office space and 308.27 sq. m of commercial showrooms at street level. The development will also include basemnet parking and is situated just east of Broadcasting House, home to 96FM Radio, owned by the Ulster Television and Media Group. Though it is yet to be confirmed, it is speculated that Scott Tallon Walker Architects may seek to relocate from the current offices at Cotters Street (as part of the Copley Hall development by Howard Holdings) to the new office space provided as part of this development.
🙂 Paul Kenny has been permitted a number of revisions sought by him and design team Wilson Architecture, for his The Treasury office development fronting Saint Patrick’s Quay. The scheme, originally permitted by Cork City Council on the 7th August 2005 was subject to appeal and again, granted. The revisions to the proposal sought included amedments to the already permitted roof garden; the relocation of roof plant to basement area and removal of screening; change of material on north elevation from Parklex Panel System to Colour Render System and replacement of opening windows with fixed type windows. Construction work on the scheme is believed to begin within the coming months.
– on the matter of Paul Kenny, the developer’s other prime city centre site, that of 50 Grand Parade (currently serving as a Citi Car Park facility) is understood to be closing in on a new application – with no lodgement date yet finalised or at least known. Mr. Kenny is understood to be among the developers who have made approaches to Cork City Council regarding options on the existing Cork City Central Library on Grand Parade – for which submissions are due by Friday June 2nd 2006.
😮 Oyster Developments have finally received permission for their 0.2acre site along Church Road in Blackrock. The site was purchased by the Killarney-based company from the ESB for a sum believed to be in and around the half-million mark – the premises formed part of a land disposal by the semi-state electricity company. Employing regular design team, The e-Project, Mr. Crowe of Oyster Developments sought permission for the development of 7 apartments over 3-retail units – the proposal was subject to 76 objections from residents and political representatives of the area. Following a series of Further Information rounds, the scheme has been permitted in a revised, soley residential format of 5-townhouses and 3 apartments (1x 2-bedroom and 2x 1-bedroom).– Oyster Developments are also currently active in formulating designs for a mixed, predominantly residential development location along the Carrigrohane Road (former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant of 1.7 acres which was purchased via agents Lisney for a figure believed to be close on €8m {though that sum has not be officially confirmed that I am aware – open to correction}). Initial speculation that the site could accommodate a taller build structure have been played down in light of discussions and not least the recent ruling of the now appealed scheme by Barry O’Connor and Robert Kennedy for the Crow’s Nest at Victoria Cross. Among the reasons cited for the rigourous conditions imposed was the need to protect the primacy of Cork County Hall as a landmark structure.
😮 June 6th 2006 represents the scheduled decision date of the eagerly anticipated CentrePoint scheme at Clontarf Street. The scheme proposed by business-trio DAT Partnership (who are also active on a number of other schemes including residential projects in Kerry) and designed by architects Coughlan de Keyser will be in planning over a year when a decision is made. The proposal initially posited a futuristic, striking 9-storey office building cantilevered over the footpaths which border the tiny triangular site bound by Deane Street, Lower Oliver Plunkett Street and Clontarf Street – subject to concerns by Cork City Council on matters such as its cantilevered nature and heights of the southern elevation with respect to the buildings relationship to surrounding structures like No.6 Lapps Quay – a revised design was articulated. The new design toned down the futuristic aspect and focused on a more traditional, but equally striking construction finished at a reduced height (although still 9-storeys) and finished with limestone and glazing materials. The building is representative of a Flatiron Building type structure, with a curved-glazed stairwell rising almost the full-height of the building along the northern elevation. A number of lighting features are proposed to give the scheme a dynamic and active presence both day and night. Canopies overhang a number of the glazed features along the east and southern elevations, not dis-similar to those currently adorning the CityQuarter office building along Lapps Quay. Despite continued concerns related to height, the design team have maintained the need for the current height on economic and design grounds. Whether Cork City Council will be able to look beyond the emerging standardised height patterns will be matter for revelation on the decision day.– nearby O’Callaghan Properties are moving onward with designs for their Anderson’s Quay office project, understood to be at the design helm of Wilson Architecture. The site comprises of the former Reliance Bearings premises (0.5acres approx. extending from Anderson’s Quay to Lower Oliver Plunkett Street), the CSPCA premises fronting Clontarf Street – who will attain a new premises as part of the transaction, the S.Tyres workshop and Thomas Maher’s premises also fronting Anderson’s Quay (the latter having yet to be confirmed). The office scheme will supposedly be set over 5-floors above retail (perhaps offering a new Maher’s premises???) and basement car-parking for over 100 spaces. The scheme, when realised, should offer a nice finish to this fast emerging business and commercial district.
@theblimp wrote:
Lex,
Your teasing of an aviation-related development has me intrigued – any chance the following link provides some insight?
😀
Well guys I will keep any howls of laughter until later as I am old enough (unfortunately) to remember the people who said NEVER when an airport celebrating its 20th anniversary today was suggested?@lexington wrote:
😮 June 6th 2006 represents the scheduled decision date of the eagerly anticipated CentrePoint scheme at Clontarf Street. The scheme proposed by business-trio DAT Partnership (who are also active on a number of other schemes including residential projects in Kerry) and designed by architects Coughlan de Keyser will be in planning over a year when a decision is made. The proposal initially posited a futuristic, striking 9-storey office building cantilevered over the footpaths which border the tiny triangular site bound by Deane Street, Lower Oliver Plunkett Street and Clontarf Street – subject to concerns by Cork City Council on matters such as its cantilevered nature and heights of the southern elevation with respect to the buildings relationship to surrounding structures like No.6 Lapps Quay – a revised design was articulated. The new design toned down the futuristic aspect and focused on a more traditional, but equally striking construction finished at a reduced height (although still 9-storeys) and finished with limestone and glazing materials. The building is representative of a Flatiron Building type structure, with a curved-glazed stairwell rising almost the full-height of the building along the northern elevation. A number of lighting features are proposed to give the scheme a dynamic and active presence both day and night. Canopies overhang a number of the glazed features along the east and southern elevations, not dis-similar to those currently adorning the CityQuarter office building along Lapps Quay. Despite continued concerns related to height, the design team have maintained the need for the current height on economic and design grounds. Whether Cork City Council will be able to look beyond the emerging standardised height patterns will be matter for revelation on the decision day.
Certainly that is a plan i’m look forward to seeing come to life myself but not far away is the hotel plan for Parnell place. The Pitwood proposal. I’m particularly anxious to see that move for a number of reasons among them the condition of the protected facades which seriously need some TLC. I read ages back in one of the newspapers that the developer was in discussion with the council about getting a move on this as soon as possible. Does anyone know more?? I think this is probably one of the more urgent schemes needed to get a move on.
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