Look at de state of Cork, like!

Hi all
have been watching this site from afar for a while and am stunned at the amount of info available on Cork, please keep it up and especially Lex the Champion! Saw in a previous thread that someone called Douglas an architectural wasteland and they’d be dead right. For such a big suburb and all the changes to the ‘village’ we now have unbelievable poor traffic (they had all summer and starting rebuilding the ‘green route; the week after the schools came back – CLEVER!!)and rows and rows of houses. Enough of those lamentations, Cork will be amazing in short time, grand parade and kenny group devt, Examiner offices new retail, over by the Capitol retail as well. Could seriously do with a few proper night clubs and big entertainment venues. All we need to do now is do up the South Mall. (slightly dubious also about Pana getting ‘best shopping street’!!!!) – anyone got an opinion on Centre park road and all that area? are there plans afoot or is it anticipated that the riverside will be done first and then a natural move in ?

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.

: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 (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.

I can’t speak for what Ward Anderson themselves have planned – as they are only beginning their own investigations. But previous plans by developers sought to aim predominantly towards retail, office and residential activities. The site has been earmarked by the City Manager for higher-order retail use. Offices and residential would not be favourable at this location – but I suppose it all depends on the plans. However, there is a new plan in the works – which it is hoped will be put to Ward Anderson over the coming weeks.

The Irish Examiner have indicated that they intend only to make their move to City Quarter in mid-to-late 2006. The City Quarter Development would be complete a year before Examiner operations transfer. O’Callaghan Properties have said they don’t plan to begin construction on Academy Street until late-2006. It’ll probably take until then for the planning application to get through the process – which will undoubtedly be one that involves ABP somewhere along the way. It doesn’t make clear sense to me to leave 32,000sq ft of office space vacant for a year – but that’s what The Irish Examiner seem to have opted for. However, plans may yet change. OCP won’t be lodging any application for Academy Street until at least mid-2005 (and that’s just guess work on my behalf). I know the primary plans are drawn up – but I don’t have any fixed application dates. When I do, I’ll let you know.

Howard Holdings on the other hand, are due to lodge their application for 16 Lavitts Quay this coming December for a 120-bedroom budget hotel, with 2 floors of retail space and 50 undergound parking spaces. It is rumoured – and I’m not 100% on this yet, that R. Arthur’s corner former ‘Balloon Surprise’ shop may have been purchased by Howard Holdings to incorporate into their development. The store was not part of the Irish Examiner office building development. Hopefully, it’ll give the quay a more organised appearance. The actions by Howard Holdings also mark the beginning of a more aggressive expansion into Cork development – as posted earlier.

can anyone get the aerial shot from the examiner up here?

also was wondering has Carey’s tool hire been sold and if so what is planned for there and when?

I don’t have a scanner Leesider, in response to that request for the image of Lapp’s Quay, maybe somebody else does. If you really want to see it, you could always grab a backcopy of the Examiner in the city Library!Not quite worth that I’d say, as impressive as it is.
Anyone know about the Bandon Road roundabout, as regards construction of a flover? I know originally it was intended to build the Kinsale interchange first, and then to commence on Sarsfield and Bandon, due in part to minimising disruption during construction, but mainly due to funding, but i have noticed that the completion date of the second phase of the Ballincollig bypass has been pushed back by several months to next spring, to accomodate revised plans for the roundabout. Does this mean they’re actually going to do the smart thing and build the flyover in conjunction with the bypass?Unfortunately i fear not, that they’re merely adjusting the current situation to ease construction when they eventually do decide to do the full job, but i may be wrong, would appreciate any info.

Phatman – I was speaking to an engineer connected to the project a few weeks back and he told me that the Kinsale Road roundabout will see work commence on its flyover early in the new year. On completion they expect to move on to the Sarsfield Road roundabout and finally the Bandon Road roundabout. The remainder of the Ballincollig By-Pass (into the Bandon Road roundabout) will be open before Christmas and not next Spring. The work being undertaken at present is indeed to facilitate the new flyover when they eventually get to it (….in about 30 years!). While I appreciate that they are now commited to doing this work, I dread to thing what those three roundabouts are going to be like over the next few years!!! :rolleyes:

Camus – this is a very serious issue as you are well aware. In the interest of clarity – the word ‘collapsed’ is not accurate I admit, and I wholly apologise for its use, as in actuality, fragments of the upper roof structure – which had been subject to dereliction, and aided by the memorable ill weather Cork experienced that tragic week – broke away and fell to street level. However, a young lady from the Blarney area was sadly DOA at the Mercy Hospital that night and her boyfriend was left without use of his lower limbs. It’s a very sensitive and very sad situation which I think is still present in the minds of many Cork persons. I personally knew those involved. I have no reports or inquiries into this particular tragedy at my immediate disposal (however, it can be sought and I have seen it – though admittedly, not in the complete detail I would usually assess such things, as it was in years before I became fully involved in the work I do now) – but I do not think the conclusions are deniable regardless. It is a legal issue that I believe has since been rectified. The remaining upper-floor structures of the building were renovated in the interests of public safety. So I apologise for use of the word ‘collapsed’. I am very aware of the public nature of this forum – incidents with TCH have highlighted this to me personally, so I am cautious about what I post w.r.t. accuracy. Any information that I do not have personal involvement in, or personal responsibility in retrieving myself (which is the vast majority), I receive from reputable or informed sources (which I also refer to by way of liability issues – something TCH tend not to do). I am fully aware of the responsibilities with which such statements are made – more aware than you may realise – and I always back up such statements were possible and when requested. If there is ever a scenario in which I cannot for whichever reasons may there-arise, I will always retract my statement and offer my apologises w/ an acknowledgement of my fault until I can wholly proof it otherwise. At this stage, I would then expect my accusors to accept their own misjudgements. Thank you for pointing this issue out Camus, you are correct that the mentioned building was indeed not the source of this tragedy – and it was further up the street. I would never consciously or purposely misinform members – so far, I can say with my hand on my heart, I never have.

Also, w.r.t. Carey’s Tool Hire – there is a myriad of rumours in circulation regarding their premises on Albert (Terence McSwiney) Quay. Subsequent to the purchase of the Sextant Bar, lands facing Albert Road and in light of the situation that arose involving O’Briens Office Supplies & Howard Holdings on Clontraf Street – Carey’s are said to be looking into drawing up plans for a substantial commercial and office complex/building on these lands. In light of this, it is believed they intend to relocate to a more accessible and suitable premises for further, future business growth and development. It remains most likely, they will sell (if the above rings true) their premises w/ FPP. Initial reports cite a 6-storey, contemporary structure fronting Albert Quay and Old Station Road, gradually stepping back to 4-storeys at Albert Road (in respect of nearby residential units). Watch this space!

phatman – although I am aware of the site in question, and the recent ownership issues surrounding it – I can’t say I read last Thurs week’s Irish Examiner concerning the site’s development. I know it is being assessed, but not aware of what exactly is being assessed. I would agree that it is ideal for a landmark office development – and, though small as it is, has beautiful potential. I’m now curious myself and will look into it come next week. I’ll let you know more if I can when info becomes available. Clearly, in order to max. such a small compact space, building up is the most sensible option. Though 9-storeys may be a little excessive – 7 perhaps given the height of nearby No.6 and City Quarter – would seem more ideal, but I suppose it all depends on the design as well.

-> Bowen Construction were contracted by O’Flynn Construction to develop No.6 Lapps Quay – the building is interesting in that it is more 2-buildings than 1 single building. The Oliver Plunkett Street elevation is being complete first structurally (this elevation steps back to 4 1/2 storeys, stepping to 6 at the Lapps Quay elevation.) This section will be complete as part of Phase 2 in construction to minimise disturbance to existing businesses in neighbouring No.5 Lapps Quay of which No.6 is a 60,000sq ft extension.

-> Frinailla Developments Ltd have lodged 2 applications for their Watercourse Road, Blackpool development project. After their previous proposal for the 2 sites was refused by both CCC and ABP. This new proposal consists of 2 lots – of which the first site at Coral Seafood Ltd, and Kelly’s Garage, 44 – 47 Watercourse Rd, Hillgrove Lane consists of the demolition of all existing structures to facilitate a mixed use residential, office and commercial development. The proposed development will range in height from 1 – 5 storeys and will consist of 57 no. residential units including 8 no. 1 bedroom apartments, 2 no. 1 bedroom duplex units, 27 no. 2 bedroom apartments, 10 no. 2 bedroom duplex units, 3 no. 3 bedroom houses, 4 no. 3 bedroom duplex units and 3 no. 3 bedroom apartments. The proposed development also includes 1 no 510 m2 office, 267 m2 back, 2 no. retail units with net retail area of 63.5 m2 and 78 m2. Parking for the development will be provided in a basement car park which will continue under Hillgrove Lane and join with the underground car park proposed on the adjacent site.

This adjacent site (Joe McSweeney shop, frmr John Denny & Son bld, 147 snooker club,2nd hand, store+48-52Watercourse Rd) will see the demolition of all existing structures to facilitate a mixed use residential, community facilities and comm. dev. The prop dev will range in height from 2–5 storeys consisting of 96 no. residential units incl. 17 no. 1 bedroom apts, 40 no. 2 bedroom apts, 20 no. 2 bedroom duplex units, 2 no. 3 bedroom houses, 9 no. 3 bedroom duplex units and 8 no. 3 bedroom apts. The prop dev also incl. a public library of 966 m2, a 504 m2 creche, a first floor med centre of 282 m2, a convenience retail unit of 529 m2, 5 no. retail units with net retail areas of 105 m2, 83 m2, 71 m2, 74 m2, 77 m2 and an 84 m2 café/rest. Parking for the dev will be provided in a basement car park which extends under Allinet’s Lane and cont. under Hillgrove Lane to join with the other underground car park prop at adjacent site. The prop dev incl provision for a public plaza to Watercourse Road, the upper of Allinet’s Hill and Hillgrove Lane, inclg amendment to the width of the latter and all assoc. site dev works.

McCutheon Mulcahy are the planning consultants. John Paul Construction will be the main contractors. A decision due date is pending.

Here (below) is an image of what IS going ahead. Note the MILD improvement. (Cough cough)

So Lexington, Dunnes have won the bid for the centre? What a pity, was hoping marks & sparks would come good. That must be 9 or 10 stores they have in the city alone now, a bit excessive, eh? Could really do with some competition. Any other confirmed tenants?