developments in cork
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🙂 Frinailla Developments have been granted permission following appeal to An Bord Pleanala for their 25-unit residential scheme on a former Plumbing Utilities store along Victoria Cross Road. The scheme was designed by Geraldine McNamara with Richard Rainey & Associates and replaces a proposal by former site owner Robert White for a 5-storey student apartment block. Originally lodged at the end of June 2005, the initial plan called for a 6-storey, part 7-storey building of 25-apartment units and a ground floor commercial unit – displayed via an attractive glazed feature which, following requests for Further Information, was subsequently removed. The units will be constructed over 5-storeys (following a further reduction in height – via removal of the 2nd floor – by ABP), basement car-parking for over 40 spaces and storage accommodation. Apartments are being marketed through Global Properties and have attracted significant interest to date. Construction work is set commence within 4 weeks.
Frinailla Developments, who have emerged as one of Cork’s more design focussed development companies, are expecting to see their other scheme in the area (nearby at Dennehy’s Cross) – which has also received much praise for its strong design standards by architects O’Mahony Pike – realise its appeal decision on the 28th of June 2006. Construction work on that scheme is set to get into gear for October of this year.
Part of a city’s revival is not simply the supply of new building stock…its also about the maintenance of existing stock.
Managing to embrace the wonderful sunshine gracing Cork city yesterday, I travelled the streets – there is a wonderful confidence and energy in the city…however in all this enthusiasm, we seem to be forgetting that progress is about self-improvement. It involves washing your clothes and not simply buying new items – for want of a better metaphor.
Of course the critique is not an all-encompassing one, there are always exceptions, but it is a prevalent one:
Starting at Bachelor’s Quay – a prominent apartment complex catches my attention first. The 1998 scheme is stained with numerous watermarks, limescale and grime – the complex is regarded as ‘controversial’ by many, its ground floor units have laid vacant for years, and the addition of sweeping green, grey and brown stains have not aided the building’s appeal. No more is this highlighted than along its norther, southern (Adelaide Street) and eastern elevations. The white paint finish is particularly vulnerable to the processes of time – and at one point on the southern elevation, upwards of 4-storeys are smeared with a ghastly green bleamish consequent of a broken drain pipe.
It is encouraging to see that this complex’s neighbour (built at the same time) has addressed its maintenance issues with a fresh paint of coat and the removal of unsightly moss overgrowths from its roof-top drains. So too – the northern facade of an adjacent shopping centre has been improved with fresh paint coating, and store signs have been promptly amended where failures to their night-time illumination have occurred.
Moving back west along Bachelor’s Quay, another apartment block – designed by Con Cahalane & Associates – is suffering PVC moss and graffiti issues, most notably around its ground floor parameter. A simply wash and paint job would immeasurably improve the aesthetic.
Walking across the McGarry Ni
Also along from Batchelors Quay opposite the North Gate Bridge “Super Macs” have repainted their unit and placed a large nasty advertising hoarding facing the bridge – amazing how building control in Cork lets poor signage across the city stay in place.
Any news on that small triangular site near the Bus Station which had a 9? storey office scheme in for planning late last year ?
Finally whats the deal with thos 5ft galvanised poles that have been place along the length of Oliver Plunkett Street – they have been there for well over a year now presumably awaiting some permanent light standard ?
@lexington wrote:
Walking across the McGarry Ni Éanaigh Architects designed Shandon Bridge, it was disheartening to see a structure, which opened to so much fanfare last year (2005), has become the subject of inexcusable vandalism in the form of graffiti and ill-maintenance. The 2 canted 273mm diameter CHS arches have been blanketed with a variety of “Karen and Jason 4ever” slogans (among the more legible stains).
Sadly, it’s not just this bridge. The new pedestrian bridge at the Mardyke is blighted with graffiti already.
I mentioned this in an earlier post, but someone has spray painted on to the new plaza in front of the Red Abbey. Considering the cost of both these developments, it’s pretty disheartening to realise that there is no maintenance plan for either public area.
The spray painting by the Red Abbey wouldn’t even be that difficult to remove, yet it’s been there for a number of weeks.
Aside from the physical damage done, graffiti can lead people to feel less safe in an area and if Cork City Council are serious about revitalising inner city areas, they’ll need to consider a systematic programme to deal with it.
Since it’s a Friday afternoon and i’m attempting to stay in a positive frame of mind, I won’t go on and on about this, but I have to echo most of the points raised by lexington. Simply put, a huge amount of property owners and users in this city down give a s**t what people think of them and their property. Even if you’re living/working in a dump, you should try to make the outside look respectable..it shows respect for your neighbours and yourself. I’ve often avoided/boycotted shops/bars/restaurants , etc. which dont look after their exterior and erect crappy signage without permission– i know, its hardly likely to make a big difference, but it makes me feel a teeny bit better of a friday afternoon.
@Radioactiveman wrote:
Since it’s a Friday afternoon and i’m attempting to stay in a positive frame of mind, I won’t go on and on about this, but I have to echo most of the points raised by lexington. Simply put, a huge amount of property owners and users in this city down give a s**t what people think of them and their property. Even if you’re living/working in a dump, you should try to make the outside look respectable..it shows respect for your neighbours and yourself. I’ve often avoided/boycotted shops/bars/restaurants , etc. which dont look after their exterior and erect crappy signage without permission– i know, its hardly likely to make a big difference, but it makes me feel a teeny bit better of a friday afternoon.
😎 I tried to think of putting my feelings on Lex’s post into words but could not come up with anything appropriate….you put the words i was looking for in your post RM, well said.
Rail services from Cork cancelled
RTÉ online
15 May 2006 07:26Iarnród Éireann has cancelled rail services out of Cork this morning because of a dispute with drivers over the introduction of new trains.
A number of inter city and commuter trains from Heuston Station, Dublin, to Cork have also been cancelled.
The company took the decision after it said two drivers in Cork refused to operate the new trains this morning.
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The drivers have not been suspended but the company says it has told them they will not be paid until they operate the new trains.
It is understood that a number of other drivers are now refusing to work in support of their colleagues.
No trains have been operating from Cork so far this morning
Hardly encouraging given its impact on the potential of the Midleton to Mallow development corridor
😎 Paul Montgomery is to submit an application concerning the site of the former Muskerry Service Station along the Western Road. The prime site of over a half acre was purchased last year for a price tag of between €6 – 7m through agents CBRE Gunne, who sold the land on behalf of Esso (as part of their non-core region asset sell-off). The site is understood to have been purchased jointly between Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Kenneally and Mr. Michael Cunningham – it is pivotally located between the city centre and University College Cork, and is positioned directly across a bend in the south channel of the Lee, opposite the fast emerging Lancaster Quay development by O’Callaghan Properties. The proposal for the Muskerry Service Station site is designed by Derek Tynan & Associates – and will include 2 buildings (1x 5-storey and 1x 6-storey) with a total of 59 apartments over basement car-parking for 54 vehicles.
Further to the publication of the framework draft for the Bishopstown/Wilton Local Area Plan – I hope to post details of a prospective prosposal (though preliminary) in the near future (variables considered).Also, interesting news is in the works concerning the consideration of options by a Galway-based developer on a mixed-use scheme for Cork. Again it is preliminary, but hopefully if it materialises it will be a nice boost for Cork.
Further to the publication of the framework draft for the Bishopstown/Wilton Local Area Plan – I hope to post details of a prospective prosposal (though preliminary) in the near future (variables considered).
Along as these “objectors” are educated enough to realise that 3/4 storey is not “High Rise” and that Cork is a city expanding to include the Wilton / Dennehys Cross / Victoria cross area.
Have these people not noticed the County Hall /University Hospital for the past 30+ years ?
Has Derek Tynans Victoria cross scheme upset everybody in the area ?
Cork City was the only metropolitan area in the country to actually lose population in the last census due to the lack of new apartments in the city.[quote=Bourgeoise
Has Derek Tynans Victoria cross scheme upset everybody in the area ?😉 The answer to your question would seem to be YES..
The draft plan for Wilton/Bishopstown identifies high rise and a town centre for the area as the main issues submitted by the 64 groups, residents,etc.1.
@Bourgeoise wrote:Any news on that small triangular site near the Bus Station which had a 9-storey office scheme in for planning late last year ?
🙂 DAT Partnerships have submitted a second batch of Further Information on their plans to construct a 9-storey office building at a tiny triangular site (under 3,000sq ft) bordered by Clontarf Street, Deane Street and Lower Oliver Plunkett Street – the prominent site has been subject to 2 designs by architects Coughlan de Keyser and has will have spent over a year in planning (it was originally submitted in May of 2005) when its planning decision is realised. Currently the application, which received further information on May 19th 2006 is now scheduled for a decision on June 6th 2006. The scheme is still proposed at 9-storeys in height and consists of extensive limestone and glazed finishes with canopies overhanging windows on levels fronting Clontarf Street and Lower Oliver Plunkett Street. The architects indicate in their further information that they are willing to relocated the roof-top plant room to basement level, however such a move would adversely affect the finish to the north-facing glazed elevation (stairwell) by issuing a sharp cut-off rather than more even finish.
– on just a personal note, regarding CentrePoint (the Clontarf Street project above), the architects argument for the building’s height is notable, however I would agree with them that this site in particular has capacity for a building of strong visual presence – although the revised proposal does not exhibit the distinction of the original plan – it remains a stark and noteworthy proposal whose north facing frontage would exhibit a striking sight when viewed from Brian Boru Street. The site represents something of an “island” in an emerging district and could be realised as something of a ‘pinnacle’ point amongst the new development and prospective development emerging in the area. It would be a shame to see it reduced and made another uniform height addition to what shows prospect of being an exciting urban quarter. I would like to think that planners would recognise this. The one sticking point I could empathise with is the impact the building’s articulation would impose on No.6 Lapps Quay when viewed from Eglinton Street – the available photomontages don’t seem to highlight this impact to any major extent – however it is clear that a slope reduction has been imposed at roof level approaching the southern elevation in the revised design, and height has been dropped, to minimise impacts. The height then rises (in the form of an enclosed plant-room) toward the northern elevation and rounding off the glazed facade which runs the height of the building. This stairwell, along with other aspects of the building, are proposed to be strikingly lit by night, which should highlight a sense of active use and act as a sort of ‘beacon’ in this new business district.
2. Hooke & MacDonald’s Summer 2006 Property Outlook was formally launched yesterday (15th May 2006) highlight a number of key patterns in both Irish residential and commercial markets. Interestingly, the report forecasts that Cork (city and county) could see its housing completion rate peak on 10,000 units (up from approx. 8,500 units in 2005), representing over 11.5% of the forecasted national completion total. Dublin, by comparison – with 18,000 units expected by the report to see completion by the year-end – holds 21%.The projections represent a confident interpretation of the Cork market – with strong developer confidence bestowed on residential sector capacity and regional population and market trends. Interesting will be the outcome of Census 2006, especially with regard to population variations within the Cork city area versus Census 2002 records. Comparatively, commercial sector confidence has gradually picked up in the Cork region – however there remains significant areas of opportunity yet to be explored, with prospective activity in the city’s docklands region offering exciting potential to realise a number of development initiatives related to commercial, retail and leisure/entertainment uses.
Anyone know anything about the Xchange bar and Compuworld store sites on Georges Quay ?
Compustore have packed up out to Turners Corss while the Xchange bar closed up last week.
@Micko wrote:
Anyone know anything about the Xchange bar and Compuworld store sites on Georges Quay ?
Compustore have packed up out to Turners Corss while the Xchange bar closed up last week.
🙂 Maybe MoJo’s is coming back??
On a serious note, that would be a prime site for re-development.Cornmarket Street
Reading a post earlier about the sale of the Kyrls Quay site is great and all but by the time all the other appropriate sites are acquired, who knows when development will start moving on the quay??? I drove down Cornmarket Street the other day and its nothing short of a third world street with suspension murdering paving, broken footpaths, potholes and dereliction abound. I sometimes can’t comprehend that this is suppose to be a prime city centre street? And where are all the promises the city council made regarding the realignment of Kyrls Quay or the installation of new market stalls? Or the improvement to the disgraceful street surface and pathways? I remember reading the action plan for the area and the scheduling on all these projects seems to be so far behind. It really is a disgrace. For such a prime street with potentially massive pedestrian windfalls from nearby Patricks Street, movement (development or promised realm improvements) has been insignificant. The most promising move here, besides the land sales has been the movement on the Guys site but even that seems to be lingering along.
According to yesterday’s Echo, the new airport terminal’s opening could be delayed for another 4 to 5 months. This is due to ‘construction delays’. In the meantime, to cater for the huge numbers of passengers over the peak summer months, a temporary canopy may be erected over the existing terminal. This is becoming a right shambles. Wasn’t the airport originally due to open before the launch of Cork 2005?
On a more positive note, the Kinsale Road flyover is now due to open in October, a full seven months ahead of schedule.:)
With reference to the ongoing ‘difficulties’ at Cork Airport, it’s interesting to note that on the main contractors webpage (rohcon), they note a completion date of October 2005. (They also mention three airbridges!)
http://www.asconrohcon.com/rohcon/rproject_details.asp?id=132§ion1=2&sub_section=10
Pana01 wrote:Kinsale bypass seven months ahead of scheduleQUOTE]Two aspects to that
a) Is it the same ‘ahead of schedule’ as the ballincollig by pass which wasnt ahead at all, it was late but a bit of pr and adding a few months to the finish date before announcing it sorted that out !(sorry, i’m very cynical since 2 drivers were allowed halt the entire rail system)
b) If they can finish that ahead of schedule that much then we can look forward to all other infrastructure projects in the future coming ahead ahead of schedule and under budget (seven months wages saved)!!
Interestingly, the report forecasts that Cork (city and county) could see its housing completion rate peak on 10,000 units (up from approx. 8,500 units in 2005), representing over 11.5% of the forecasted national completion total
Is that all? At the last census, Cork had around 12% of the national population – if the city region is becoming a counterbalance to Dublin, and is obtaining critical mass in its own right, you’d expect to see a higher proportion of completions than that.
Is it true to say that much of the Cork region is only really starting to grow in terms of population now? I know the growth rate is ahead of the projections in the CASP, but the scale of development only seems to have ramped up in the last year.
@POM wrote:
Cornmarket Street
Reading a post earlier about the sale of the Kyrls Quay site is great and all but by the time all the other appropriate sites are acquired, who knows when development will start moving on the quay??? I drove down Cornmarket Street the other day and its nothing short of a third world street with suspension murdering paving, broken footpaths, potholes and dereliction abound. I sometimes can’t comprehend that this is suppose to be a prime city centre street? And where are all the promises the city council made regarding the realignment of Kyrls Quay or the installation of new market stalls? Or the improvement to the disgraceful street surface and pathways? I remember reading the action plan for the area and the scheduling on all these projects seems to be so far behind. It really is a disgrace. For such a prime street with potentially massive pedestrian windfalls from nearby Patricks Street, movement (development or promised realm improvements) has been insignificant. The most promising move here, besides the land sales has been the movement on the Guys site but even that seems to be lingering along.
The Guys site seems to be taking a long time to get out of the ground – I can only assume that there may be structural engineering issues with the site.
Cornmarket street itself is appalling from the awful Castle Jewellers pink awful signage at the junction of Castle Street and Cornmarket Street to vacant sites with cars parked,shabby market stalls,cars parked all over the place down af far as the Bridewell with the dereliction on Kyrls Quay adding to the shabbyness of the area.
Shopowners and property owners here are only slightly worse than the neglect that there is on Patrick Street itself which is meant to be one of the top shopping streets in the country after Grafton Street / Henry Street.
The street itself does’nt seem to be that busy anymore and very little buzz around.Mayby after the main drainage works / pedestrianation disturbance there is’nt the draw of big name shops in the city when you have free parking and good shops at Mahon Point ? It has a downmarket feel lately and if you walk from Washington Street through Patrick’s Street through Bridge Street and down McCurtain St the high level of neglect is the overwhelming impression.
On a more positive note all the smaller pedestrianisd streets in the city work very well with Maylor Street much improved.The streets at the Emmet Place – back of Savoy to Patricks Street and the Quay need the same treatment.With regard to Cornmarket St (Coal Quay). My mother had a fairly nasty fall on the uneven surface, while at the market, a few weeks ago. Fortunately, she is still relatively young, but I wouldn’t like to think of it happening to someone 10 years older. If it is going to be open to pedestrians on a Saturday, the surface needs to be someting that pedestrians can walk on. It also needs to have a bit of life on a day other than Saturday. Perhaps as an idea for Sunday’s in summer, they could look at having stalls that serve food on the street. This was done to a limited extent at an even in Bishop Lucey Park as part of Cork 2005 (I remember Banna Thai and Cork Coffee Roasters having stalls for example).
To increase footfall in the city centre in general access must be approved. Many parking spaces have disappeared. Many more have (rightly) been converted to disabled spaces. This has restricted the ability of people to use cars to get into the city centre. Where is the publec transport to compensate for this restriction? While the Park and Ride is welcome, it is a long time since I’ve seen any improvement in the suburban bus service. Out of interest, if anyone knows, when was the last time new suburban buses were introduced in Cork? The most recent number plates that I see date to 2003. This means that we aren’t even renewing the existing fleet, much less improving services.
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