Look at de state of Cork, like!
- This topic has 1,897 replies, 111 voices, and was last updated 17 years ago by
.
- Posts
*UPDATES*
-> Argos & Lifestyle Sports will join anchor tenant Atlantic Homecare at the new 100m euro Blackpool Retail Park being developed by the Shipton Group. The new Argos Extra store will measure 10,000sq ft – twice the size of their existing Grand Parade/Daunt Sq store in the city centre. Lifestyle will occupy a store of 6,000sq ft.
In an unrelated announcement, Toni&Guy Hairdressers are to open a further store at Buckley’s Corner (former Carpet Store) on Washington Street.
-> The Capitol Cineplex on Grand Parade is being given a minor facelift, after coming under sharp criticism from CCC for its dire aesthetics. Ward Anderson had been reluctant to revamp the cineplex in light of future developments for the site. Ward Anderson plan to relocate their business to a new 11-screen multiplex at Mahon Point in Feburary 2005. One rumoured development for the site is a 6-storey over basement retail development with ground floor area of just under 40,000 sq ft – no further info has been received by me on this proposal so I can’t verify anything further.
-> Beamish & Crawford’s HQ on South Main Street is due for a revamp after an application was lodged with CCC for new railing, roof, facade adjustments and paint improvements.
-> Sherland Entertainments Ltd based in Dublin has been successful in their application for the redevelopment of the former Mercier Book Store on Academy Street as an Cafe Bar Deli brand coffeeshop & deli.
-> 21 objections have been raised against Riga Limited (O’Callaghan Properties/Jurys Doyle Group) development plans for Jury’s Hotel site on the Western Road. Of course the usual suspects were involved, An Taisce. After reading some of the grounds for objections, I have to say, some are laughable, but either way, Riga is going to have a tough ride through the planning process. I hope the proposal is successful, although my unease remains with relation to the residential element of the project.
-> For those of you anxious to know what it is O’Flynn Construction have planned for Eglinton Street, yet again, O’Flynn have said their announcement is imminent. And when it is made, if successful, it will be one of the largest construction projects in Cork next year. I have to say however, I would prefer a larger retail element – but last minute revisions may yet surprise me.
Finally, to theblimp, if you have a public e-mail a/c you could post online, I will contact you thereafter as soon as I am available. Failing that, try setting up a web-based ‘rubbish’ a/c you don’t mind displaying online. I will have to ask you a few questions beforehand through e-mail as I’m sure you can understand (privacy reasons etc).
P.S. Remember, Werdna Ltd’s plans for Water Street are expecting a decision this coming Wednesday (29th September 2004). The original decision date was scheduled for July, but CCC pushed the date back to September for further deliberation reasons. This is one of the most important planning decisions ever before Cork, let’s all just hope that the decision made will green-light the project. The countdown begins today. Here’s just a little reminder of what we should be hoping for ->
Fingers crossed!Good man Lexington, it’s been quiet around here without your input.
Originally posted by lexington
*UPDATES*-> Argos & Lifestyle Sports will join anchor tenant Atlantic Homecare at the new 100m euro Blackpool Retail Park being developed by the Shipton Group. The new Argos Extra store will measure 10,000sq ft – twice the size of their existing Grand Parade/Daunt Sq store in the city centre. Lifestyle will occupy a store of 6,000sq ft.
In an unrelated announcement, Toni&Guy Hairdressers are to open a further store at Buckley’s Corner (former Carpet Store) on Washington Street.
-> The Capitol Cineplex on Grand Parade is being given a minor facelift, after coming under sharp criticism from CCC for its dire aesthetics. Ward Anderson had been reluctant to revamp the cineplex in light of future developments for the site. Ward Anderson plan to relocate their business to a new 11-screen multiplex at Mahon Point in Feburary 2005. One rumoured development for the site is a 6-storey over basement retail development with ground floor area of just under 40,000 sq ft – no further info has been received by me on this proposal so I can’t verify anything further.
-> Beamish & Crawford’s HQ on South Main Street is due for a revamp after an application was lodged with CCC for new railing, roof, facade adjustments and paint improvements.
-> Sherland Entertainments Ltd based in Dublin has been successful in their application for the redevelopment of the former Mercier Book Store on Academy Street as an Insomnia brand coffeeshop & deli.
-> 21 objections have been raised against Riga Limited (O’Callaghan Properties/Jurys Doyle Group) development plans for Jury’s Hotel site on the Western Road. Of course the usual suspects were involved, An Taisce. After reading some of the grounds for objections, I have to say, some are laughable, but either way, Riga is going to have a tough ride through the planning process. I hope the proposal is successful, although my unease remains with relation to the residential element of the project.
-> For those of you anxious to know what it is O’Flynn Construction have planned for Eglinton Street, yet again, O’Flynn have said their announcement is imminent. And when it is made, if successful, it will be one of the largest construction projects in Cork next year. I have to say however, I would prefer a larger retail element – but last minute revisions may yet surprise me.
Finally, to theblimp, if you have a public e-mail a/c you could post online, I will contact you thereafter as soon as I am available. Failing that, try setting up a web-based ‘rubbish’ a/c you don’t mind displaying online. I will have to ask you a few questions beforehand through e-mail as I’m sure you can understand (privacy reasons etc).
P.S. Remember, Werdna Ltd’s plans for Water Street are expecting a decision this coming Wednesday (29th September 2004). The original decision date was scheduled for July, but CCC pushed the date back to September for further deliberation reasons. This is one of the most important planning decisions ever before Cork, let’s all just hope that the decision made will green-light the project. The countdown begins today. Here’s just a little reminder of what we should be hoping for ->
Fingers crossed!😀 Thanks mickeydocs! Still shaking off the jet-lag but I’ll try and get back on track proper soon! 😉
Hi Lexington – I’ve activated the e-mail feature on my ‘profile’ so if you wish to send something to me at that I’ll come right back to you. I’ll leave this option ‘active’ for a day or so.
Quote:Originally posted by lexington
*UPDATES*-> 21 objections have been raised against Riga Limited (O’Callaghan Properties/Jurys Doyle Group) development plans for Jury’s Hotel site on the Western Road. Of course the usual suspects were involved, An Taisce. After reading some of the grounds for objections, I have to say, some are laughable, but either way, Riga is going to have a tough ride through the planning process. I hope the proposal is successful, although my unease remains with relation to the residential element of the project.
Burge_eye:
ref my earlier mail on this issue: Lexington, is Dan Boyle’s representation along these lines?
http://www.politics.ie/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6066
Fair point?
At the end of the day, were I to decide, I would most likely favour this development – for reasons of aesthetics, regeneration, jobs and in-line with some of the Cork City Development Plan principles – however (and I never ever thought I’d find myself in agreement with a Green Party TD), I have to say, I have an air of suspicion about this project. The current number of rooms in Jurys Hotel Cork is 185 (159 Standard, 23 Executive, 2 Junior Suites and 1 Presidential). The new development proposes a hotel of 182 bedrooms (3 fewer) and 303 luxury apartments. Though I deem the design of the project acceptable, the economics is curious. If Jurys had intended to extend its operations in Cork (as declared in Feburary 2004), why is it in fact reducing its own capacity? And furthermore, reducing its direct investment policy in the city? (Preferring a more removed lease basis at 2m euro p.a.). Furthermore, with 84% of all large scale construction in Cork related to apartments (currently almost 2,000 of which in planning or in mid-construction, are aimed squarely at the luxury market – i.e. 285,000euros and up) is the addition of a further 303 luxury end apartments at this location truly viable? Of the 325,000 metropolitan Cork and 498,000 greater Cork city area citizens, how many can afford in excess of 285,000euros each for over 2,000 current and an additional 2,500 projected luxury end apartments? Thats 4,500 city centre apartments spaces all in excess of 285,000 euros – and not including car parking spaces which range in Cork city anywhere between 25,000 to 80,000 euros. Residential Demand in Cork city remains above average, although the majority of this demand (65%) is among lower to middle income persons. A recent article in the Irish Examiner stated that waiting lists and demand as a whole had increased – this is true, but the main increase was among the aforementioned income groups, which found that new market supply was being provided at a sale price above their sustainable repayment levels. As prices continue to increase more and more persons find themselves applying for more affordable and often sub-standard accomodation. I support Riga Ltd’s proposal on the basis, that such a large-scale investment requires extensive market research and clearly, at some level, the market must be egging them on. Although my own research has found such a demand, it is a far more controlled demand than these large-scale developments seem to represent. I support any project that will bring greater residency back into the city, but to do this, building accomodation simply isn’t enough. A city has to entice people back into its realms by providing the services (retail, nightlife, sports & leisure, aesthetics, transport and unrivalled working environments) in order for people to have incentive to want to take up this accomodation. I believe we need greater services investment in the city to balance the supply of residential complexes. However, the Cork market currently seems to have an insatiable appetite for all things apartments – I just worry about its sustainability without further services investment. Mahon Point, Academy Street and Blackpool isn’t enough.
Oddly, I feel the Water Street development (though accomodation based) will provide an incentive for further services investment with relation to the docklands, and this is what we need. However, I do believe the Jurys development, will be beneficial if it is successful (and it probably will, O’Callaghan rarely invest in something unless they’re gauranteed a return) because increased city centre residency should spur further services investment.
Whilst I see Boyle’s point, I think it is perhaps niaive to expect a major company not to maximise the potential of any site it possesses. I’ve never stayed in Jurys but I’m told that it’s outdated and desperately in need of a face lift. It would seem inevitable that any large scale renovation would involve shuttin gthe hotel anyway. Perhaps a hotel in Cork is not viable with more than 180 bedrooms, perhaps it is but the fact is that, if you jump into bed with a developer of OCP’s reputation, you can guarantee that the final plot ratio is as close to a max as possible.
*UPDATES*
-> For those of you familiar with the classic Cork night-venue, the Maltings Emporium, Mardyke Tavern and Club FX complex, after 8 months on the marketplace and an initial tender price of 4m euro, the facility has been sold to UK (Newcastle) based Ultimate Leisure (Ireland) Ltd for 5m euros. Ultimate Leisure own 28 night-venues across the UK and 4 in Northern Ireland. They plan to exstensively renovate the complex before re-opening it early next year (subject to a possible planning application). Former owner, Frank Sheahan of FV Sheahan Auctioneers on Marlboro Street, had decided to sell the complex to focus on his property development career – which so far includes the Lancaster Hall student complex on Lynch Street (adjacent to the Maltings), and with Joe Carey (developer of the 100m euro Fota Island Retail Park and Business Complex), a number of large apartment and commercial buildings at Hewitt Mills along the Blackpool By-Pass.
-> On a related note, rumour has it, that Frank Sheahan, who had been using the services of PJ Hegarty Contractors for his Lancaster Hall and Blackpool By-Pass/Assumption Road apartment development (designed by JE Keating in a 7-storey semi-circular, red-brick shape) has opted for Rohcon to develop the new row of apartment buildings adjacent to the JE Keating designed block. This is evident from the erection of the Rohcon tower crane on site earlier this month. The apparent reason is down to the fact that the developer had fallen out with PJ Hegarty after the firm failed to meet a completion deadline of September for the Lancaster Hall project, which was due to receive residents at the start of the university academic year. The project is yet to be complete and as a result, the developer will not be able to receive rents in full until the following academic year – unless students can be persuaded otherwise. Either way, it could be very difficult. Rohcon have begun the construction of 44 new apartments on the Hewitt Mills site, which will see a line of between 4 and 6 storey buildings erected.
-> At Carroll’s Quay, OSB (Neil O’Sullivan) has been granted permission after ABP appeal for Phase 2 of his residential, theatre and licensed bar development. ABP granted permission for 49 of the proposed 55 apartments, along with new Cork Arts Theatre and Pa Johnsons pub. A suggestion was made by ABP to extend either the theatre or bar through the ommission of 3 ground floor apartments. The project, Phase 1 and Phase 2 are designed by James Leahy & Assoc.
– for those of you who think I knock An Taisce Corcaigh too often and unfairly, the CCC and ABP reports on their objections to this OSB Phase 2 project offer very good justification for my complaining and clearly display their petty behaviour in Cork (although, and I can assure you, this report is one of their better ones. An Taisce objections are often far more ludicrous.) To read this very common sensical report by ABP and CCC. Follow this link -> http://planning.corkcity.ie/letters/upload/25092004-J69H-210333Tp27769.doc
– a few years ago, a similar project was refused permission by ABP on this same site (at the time being developed by Carroll’s Quay Development Group). The architects were O’Riordan Staehli. Here’s an image of what could have gone up had there been no refusal. Note, the surroundings have VASTLY changed since with numerous office and apartment buildings having been erected in the immediate surrounding areas.
The new OSB development greenlighted is noted in the report for its striking and likeable design.
Just in response to burge_eye’s above remark -> Howard Holdings have developed a 200 bedroom hotel, operated by Choice Hotels under the Clarion brand, for Lapps Quay. Lance Investments have been recently refused planning by ABP for a 232-bedroom hotel on the Lee Road. Michael O’Donoghue (Rockfell Investments) were refused by ABP after grant from CCC for the development of a 9-storey 400 bedroom hotel on Cornmarket Street – and 2 other very prominent developments are considering the addition of 100 more bedrooms to their hotel elements (one being operated by Hilton) of 150 bedrooms each. I don’t think viability is the question – which makes the reduction in numbers at Jurys even more curious. However I do agree about the naivity of space maximisation by Dan Boyle – it makes logical sense for a developer to maximise it. However, his objection is related to traffic movements in the area – and I do take his point, the Western Road/Lancaster Quay/Washington Street is exceptionally congested even at the best of times. Riga Ltd will have to carefully consider its traffic management options for the Jurys site. 2 bridges will serve the development and the majority of parking will be residential, hopefully the city centre location will encourage public transport and walking means.🙂 Pierse Contractors today erected a tower crane over the UCC School of Pharmacy site on College Road, this marks the initiation of primary construction on the long awaited project. Completion of the 3-storey, 60,000sq ft development is due for late next year.
🙂 One of the most exciting projects to get going near the docklands is making real headway. The Corbett Bros. office and residential development on Copley Street (just across Cotter Street from the new Howard Holdings development of offices (incl. Anglo Irish Bank’s new regional HQ) and residential units, designed by Scott Tallon Walker (who also have taken up offices in the development). The new Corbett Bros. development was designed by PRC Architects Ireland and is being built by Coffey Construction. The components of a new tower crane are on site ready for imminent erection – this will help complete the 2 new 5-storey office/residential blocks planned for the site, linked together over a central courtyard by a 5th storey physical link.
🙁 On a slightly less inspiring note, CCC have pushed the decision date for Aldi Developments retail and 48 duplex development on Tory Top Road, Cork back until an unprecendented date of 20/6/2005!!! This is a very odd move by CCC – this will see the application in the planning process with CCC for almost a full year – and that’s before any possible ABP appeals!
REMEMBER: 3 DAYS REMAIN UNTIL THE WATER STREET DEVELOPMENT’S DECISION DATE IS DUE FOR WERDNA LTD. Keep your fingers crossed this Wednesday!To the surprise of many, especially myself, the developers – Werdna Ltd – and architects of the Water Street project (Murray O’Laoire) withdrew their planning application for the landmark development with only a day before a decision was due.
The application was launched to a fanfare almost 6 months ago and had been expected to receive a decision tomorrow (Wednesday 29th of September 2004). I have to say I’m very disappointed and will be in contact with the developers for an insight into such a move. I’ll keep you posted when I find out the entirety of the details involved.
🙁
It seems very strange to withdraw their application just before the decision was due. Maybe they had heard it was to be rejected and thought it would be better not to allow it to get to that point, with a view to resubmitting revised plans at a later stage?
After a brief discussion with the developers and architects – it seems that the original Water Street plan rose a number of sticking points with which the Planning Authority could not find any reasonable compromise with the developer. The application was withdrawn as to avoid a possible refusal – as it is the intention of Werdna to resubmit a revised application in the very near future of a similar scale and design. The architect assures me that the unique features that were so central to the original submission (i.e. the 19-storey centrepiece tower) will remain incorporated into the new application. I’m anxious to view the new application and see where it differs. Watch this space.
(and yes I am aware that is the worst subject heading ever – I shocked myself typing it!)
”the project was withdrawn in order to submit a new scheme in the near future.
We have been in a period of intense negotiation with the Planning Authority since it was lodged in May last. There were a number of aspects of the scheme that were particular sticking points that the Planning Authority felt that could not be dealt with by means of conditions or additional information, so therefore , we opted to withdraw the scheme and return with a new one rather than accept a refusal. The basic concept, design, scale of the development will be more or less the same, however, it is hoped that CCC will be in a better position to support the new scheme as we believe in going forward to An Bord Pleanala(which with a scheme of such a scale is almost inevitable)with a positive response from the local Authority.”– from Murray O’Laoire Architects
*UPDATES*🙂 Developers Barry Collins and Clayton Love’s company Piton Properties have announced their detailled plans for a 100m euro Carrigaline Town Centre project. The project will include a large multiplex, town square, shopping district, showrooms, public amenity area, bowling complex, offices, entertainment centre, 900 covered car parking spaces and riverside walk. The development will be constructed on the site of the former Carrigaline Pottery complex and a parcel of 26-acres adjoining. I’ll have images up soon.
🙂 Coffey Construction have erected a tower crane on site over the Corbett Bros. large office and residential development on Copley Street signalling the commencement of primary construction. The development will consist of 75 basement car parking spaces (revised by CCC from 93 spaces), a ground floor commercial restaurant and gym, 5640sq m of office space and 38 apartments.
Originally posted by mickeydocs
so they’ve been told what they need to do to get planning?I think from the posts after this Mickydocs that you have hit the nail on the head. I know people who object to projects get a really bad name as being begrudgers and of just slowing the planning process up, but in all fairness the system is fundamentally flawed in that the public have no real imput into the planning process bar making objections after months of consultation between the develpers and the council.
Well today should have been the day we received word on the planning decision for Water Street – but as previously reported (and reported exclusively) – developers Werdna Ltd withdrew their application a day before the decision with an intention of resubmitting a similar proposal with a few amendments.
I sincerely hope the 19-storey tower at the centre of the development isn’t sacrificed, it would provide an excellent eastern gateway into Cork city – as County Hall provides such a gateway to the west.
But for those of you left disappointed about Water Street, I have some hopefully positive news about a potential development I reported on not so long ago for the site of the Capitol Cineplex on Washington Street/Grand Parade…
…I am well informed that Ward Anderson are negotiating with developers the possibility of transforming the cineplex site into a first-rate shopping venue (see previous post). Initial reports indicated a 6-storey over basement retail centre with bars, nightclubs and basement ice-rink. Although some revisions have been made to these plans – the centre is to be aimed at the mid to upper retail market (e.g. a retailler like Sisley, H&M or Espirit and so on). The development will be designed to provide a landmark, world-class structure providing an impressive view when looked at down along Washington Street. Although nothing is yet set in stone – I thought it might be a source of cheering up after Water Street (at least until the new application is submitted). Other options being considered by Ward Anderson include simply selling the site altogether to a private developer and maintaining no involvement. 2 developers I am aware of have tried for the site (also with retail plans) but have been told they faced ‘Deal Agreed’. This status will remain until Ward Anderson confrim their intentions with the site. You won’t get this news anywhere else.
As promised, I have here an image of the proposed 100m euro Carrigaline Town Centre project – which has just be lodged for permission with Cork County Council. The developers are Barry Collins and Clayton Love, through their company Piton Properties.
http://corkdevelopments.bravehost.com/ppctc.jpgAlso, below is an image of the OSB (Neil O’Sullivan of Aceville Construction/Investments) development on Carroll’s Quay/Camden Quay/Knapps Square. I have referred to this project in a prior post above. The 2nd Phase of this development was just greenlighted by ABP after objection from An Taisce. The 1st phase of the development is already under construction (Phase 1 is the lower level section to the right of the image). Architect is James Leahy & Assoc. Building Contractors are John F. Supple Ltd.
http://corkdevelopments.bravehost.com/osbcqd.jpg:rolleyes: I apologise for the quality of these images, as my scanner is never up to much, even on a good day – and the graphics attained by me from the developers and architects are too large to load to any one server/host.
The host of the development images is now refusing to permit remote links. To view the images, copy & paste the links into your address bar – then press enter.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
