Look at de state of Cork, like!
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Expansion hungry Frinailla Developments – controlled by the Conway Family – have purchased the infamous 10-acre site that is the Good Shepherd Convent in Sunday’s Well from PJ Hegarty & Sons Ltd for a figure estimated, but not confirmed, at approx. 20m euros. PJ Hegarty had a number of applications hanging on the site – but due to a number of problematic planning issues, decided against developing the highly valuable site.
Frinailla plans to redevelop the site to include 250 new homes (that figure is not according to my source, but a third-party source), with a number of large, luxurious 2,500sq ft houses as part of the development. These houses will be aimed at the top end of the market. Also as part of the development, the Good Shepherd Convent building, which was ravished by fire last year, will be restored to its former glory – in what will most likely be a number of apartments. The project is being designed by Reddy O’Riordan Staehli Architects and plans to create an exclsuive residential quarter in one of Cork’s most scenic and sought-after districts.
This project represents another large-scale investment by the group over the past number of months. Recently, Frinailla received a greenlight (after successive attempts) at redeveloping their large Watercourse Road (Ladyswell) site in Blackpool – which will see approx. 100 new residential units (after conditions) developed. The Grand Parade Plaza is now scheduled to commence construction after subsurface investigations spanning nearly over 1-year. Late-April is the earmarked date of construction.
Also, Frinailla have begun work on their An Caislean development in Ballincollig, with another 70m euro residential develop on the eastern end of Ballincollig perpartory gear.
Frinailla also recently purchased Dennehy’s Cross Garage and lands for approx. 20m-euro, which is scheduled to see a large-scale (but apparently ‘community friendly’) development of apartments in planning within the coming future. They also purchased a site just down the Wilton Road (a former Plumbing Supplies Centre) which is also scheduled for a formal proposal. And that’s just to name a few!
:p Howard Holdings are certainly lapping (no pun intended) the praise for their Lapps Quay development, City Quarter. The development is officially opened tonight at 6:30pm in a ceremony officiated by Michael Martin, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Greg Coughlan and Frank Gormley are being praised for the expense and chance they displayed on City Quarter, which has paid off with superb effect. Howard Holdings also have another docklands project under review at the moment – however, its certainty is being kept under wraps for the time being. I’ll let you know more when things start becoming a little more official.But that is according to sources according to the guy who wrote it. There is nothing from the company itself apart from a no comment
Lexington
re: your overview of docklands developments – a lot of work there, thanks.
Re the site north of the Goldcrop building (have been in the Gcrop building, glad something is being done to make it habitable) – pretty much any site in that area will have subsidence issues. The Marina Commercial Park next door is basically concrete paved over whatever topography was handy, and what’s there now is all sorts of levels and cracking, especially with 40ft trailers crashing over it.
The entire docklands area is challenging with oil tanks, gas lines, power lines etc. Would like to see Ford “encouraged” to build a multistorey car park to house their vehicles, preferably somewhere near the ring road – say in Tivoli? – to free up the large tarmac area south of Tedcastles for development.
@dowlingm wrote:
Lexington
Would like to see Ford “encouraged” to build a multistorey car park to house their vehicles, preferably somewhere near the ring road – say in Tivoli? – to free up the large tarmac area south of Tedcastles for development.
Well I don’t know about the multi-storey car-park idea – but you can take it that Ford are one step ahead on that site already. ]Lexington,
have Frinailla admitted they are going ahead with that deal?[/QUOTE]That’s the Stephen Rogers report you’re referring to? The plan he outlined in his report has not been solidified – no, not that I’m aware of. On news that that report was made public – the info I had been made aware of, I felt was somewhat in the public domain and thus issued it on the forum,
However, Frinailla will seek to develop a residential proposal for the site not far-off, if not, along the lines already mentioned. Kieran Conway, as I am aware, has said nothing yet – presumably down to the fact that he doesn’t want to formalise something without being 100% that it’s the plan Frinailla can go-ahead with. As best I’m aware, Mr. Rogers based his report on third-party info – correct me if I’m wrong on that. The housing number figure is not based on my info, I have corrected that in the post above for issues of clarity. If I attain more specific details (if at all) I will post them to keep you inform and clear on the issue.
Hello and good evening to one and all this is my 1st post on this very well worded and informed public forum.
Frinila seem to be the flavour of the day,has any one noticed the councils refusal for their propsed development 04/5355 in Glanmire their is a bit of a hum off the file.Any comments?🙂 John Paul Construction are on site already at Albert House, Albert Quay marking the commencement of the development of the Cork’s first WebWorks by Howard Holdings. The 13m euro project, designed by Scott Tallon Walker, will be constructed on land to the rear of Albert House and connected with the CCC property; units will then be leased out to designated Enterprise Ireland associated start-ups based around IT and Business practices.
More details will be soon available at -> http://www.corkwebworks.com
:confused: Apparently, media reports are suggesting that O’Callaghan Properties are in communicado with Michael O’Donoghue of Rockfell Investments about a partnership related to his Cornmarket Street development which received a grant last year for 65 apartments and up to 170,000sq ft of retail space. This would explain my earlier reports about hearing something re: OCP on a possible retail development at Cornmarket Street. Don’t have any clearer details right now – but I’ll keep you posted. O’Callaghan apparently says that the best deal for all concerned would see a link up with his nearby Paul Street S.C. (???)– on that note, OCP moved into their new 5,000sq ft HQ along the top floors of the 30m euro 21 Lavitts Quay development, designed by Patrick A. Cashman and Associates, & constructed by Bowen Construction. Structural Engineering was provided by Niall Fitzsimons & Associates. 11,000sq ft of office space at the development has also been negotiated for tenancy by a noteworthy semi-state division.
– also regarding OCP’s Academy Street development, OCP have apparently struck a deal with the Reidy-family (owners of Le Cheateau bar) whereby the bar will be retained in its current usage as is, but which will allow OCP utilise its valuable layout to able its Academy Street development further. See previous posts.
An announcement re: Albert Quay warehousing sale is expected either by this week’s end or early next week. Will have to see.
I was lucky enough to have been in attendance at the launch of City Quarter on Lapps Quay last evening – and besides some dodgy weather, the launch was quite a taking event. The development really is first rate and a credit to Howard Holdings – who launched the development in nothing short of panache – from Sushi Stands, a beautiful water-display on a river float, carnival, acrobats and performers, “U2”, “Elvis” and even “James Brown” showed up. Greg Coughlan, Howard Holdings CEO, receive a large round of applause after stating in his speech that “this (City Quarter) must only be the beginning”, he expressed his desire to make Cork “the envy of Europe”, but it needed the infastructure, foresight, co-operation and more new, world-class buildings. It really was pride inspiring stuff and made many, myself included, all that more enthusiastic about the prospects for Cork. On talking to persons afterwards, I am told (as reported) that indeed Howard are assessing a further standout Docklands project – besides Albert House.– Cafe Gusto, a local coffee house enterprise, will set-up a new branch on the City Quarter boardwalk and waterfront. The firm also operates a prime Washington Street location.
Lexington,
Nice work on keeping everyone upto date with all the latest developments in the city & beyond. 😎 On a point of interest if you take a look at the Kerry County Council website http://www.kerrycoco.ie and hit the search planning tab a similar page to that on the Cork City Council website appears, whereby you can enter the name or planning number of the application you wish to look up. However on the Kerry website you can view PDF files of all the drawings, submissions etc on the file and I was just wondering if all the planning authorities will follow suit or is there any obligation to do so? Cheers 🙂
@rodger wrote:
Hello and good evening to one and all this is my 1st post on this very well worded and informed public forum. Frinila seem to be the flavour of the day,has any one noticed the councils refusal for their propsed development 04/5355 in Glanmire their is a bit of a hum off the file.Any comments?
That’s right, their 121-unit development at Church Hill didn’t work out to nice for them. CorkCoCo shot the project down on a number of issues incl. traffic etc. Though they did receive a grant on their Ladyswell project (only just!), they received a a twist of lemon with the permission in that they’ve had to reduce the height, and subsquent units as a result of the conditions. I’ve seen the plans numerously and in detail, and to be honest, I think the logic regarding the reduction in height (again!) is pretty farsical.
@gos24 wrote:Lexington,
On a point of interest if you take a look at the Kerry County Council website http://www.kerrycoco.ie and hit the search planning tab a similar page to that on the Cork City Council website appears, whereby you can enter the name or planning number of the application you wish to look up. However on the Kerry website you can view PDF files of all the drawings, submissions etc on the file and I was just wondering if all the planning authorities will follow suit or is there any obligation to do so? Cheers 🙂To be honest with you – I don’t really know. As far as I know its a discretionary preference – but I am familiar with the Kerry CoCo system in that regard (in other regards I’d rather not discuss it! :rolleyes: ) and it is useful and informative. I would like to think a similar system would be made available in Cork as it may, to some, extent, reduce the numbers of publuc misinformation regarding certain developments. So, who knows?! Perhaps Cork City Council will have better answers for you. http://www.corkcity.ie I’m sorry I can’t be of much help on that particular topic.
After pressing a prominent CCC member last night, I managed to juice out a comment regarding O’Flynn Construction’s Eglinton Street development. He implied that talks between the developers and Planners and the City Manager’s office had been ‘positive’. But just to make sure, someone closely attached to the project, this morning informed me also, that the meetings held between CCC and OFC had been ‘constructive’. Wilson Architecture (design team behind the project – Chief Architect being Frank O’Mahony, the firm’s MD) are in conjunction with the developers and in consultation with CCC in addressing a number of ‘deadlocking’ issues. These issues concern in the most part the parking space to unit/residence ratio, sunlighting and glazing effects with consideration to the tower element and potential hazards on approaching traffic – among others. A report is due into Navigation House in the coming days re: the latter issue. Parking space numbers at the development are likely to be dropped, but to a renegotiated ratio with which OFC say they can work with.
I assume the unconfirmed, but possible, sale of the Doyle Family Cork Warehousing Co. site on Albert Quay to OFC (if sold to them), may offer a potential solution in rectifying parking numbers come the strategic run – but this cannot be considered at this stage until any sale is announced publicly. However, there are 2 other likely buyers which await confirmation – one of which is stated to be Howard Holdings (if so, this would give them dominance of the waterfront along this stretch of both Albert Quay and Lapps Quay).
It’s all pie-in-the-sky right now – but could be considered a very cautious source of optimism for this outstanding development opportunity in Cork.
@lexington wrote:
After pressing a prominent CCC member last night, I managed to juice out a comment regarding O’Flynn Construction’s Eglinton Street development. He implied that talks between the developers and Planners and the City Manager’s office had been ‘positive’. But just to make sure, someone closely attached to the project, this morning informed me also, that the meetings held between CCC and OFC had been ‘constructive’. Wilson Architecture (design team behind the project – Chief Architect being Frank O’Mahony, the firm’s MD) are in conjunction with the developers and in consultation with CCC in addressing a number of ‘deadlocking’ issues. These issues concern in the most part the parking space to unit/residence ratio, sunlighting and glazing effects with consideration to the tower element and potential hazards on approaching traffic – among others. A report is due into Navigation House re: the latter issue. Parking space numbers at the development are likely to be dropped, but to a renegotiated ratio with which OFC say they can work with.
I assume the unconfirmed, but possible, sale of the Doyle Family Cork Warehousing Co. site on Albert Quay to OFC (if sold to them), may offer a potential solution in rectifying parking numbers come the strategic run – but this cannot be considered at this stage until any sale is announced publicly. However, there are 2 other likely buyers which await confirmation – one of which is stated to be Howard Holdings (if so, this would give them dominance of the waterfront along this stretch of both Albert Quay and Lapps Quay).
It’s all pie-in-the-sky right now – but could be considered a very cautious source of optimism for this outstanding development opportunity in Cork.
So when are you expecting a decision?
@Thomond Park wrote:
So when are you expecting a decision?
It will depend on when the ‘Clarification’ requested by CCC is satisfactorily met by OFC and Wilson Architecture. I believe this will be provided within the next 2 weeks, but don’t quote me on that time-frame, as that is simply based on the collected information I received. Fingers crossed anyway!
Could not agree more, this development will get the creative juices of desiginers going not to mention fueling the egos of our developers this is progress,any one hear about the John Barley corn inn.
@lexington wrote:
That’s right, their 121-unit development at Church Hill didn’t work out to nice for them. CorkCoCo shot the project down on a number of issues incl. traffic etc. Though they did receive a grant on their Ladyswell project (only just!), they received a a twist of lemon with the permission in that they’ve had to reduce the height, a subsquent units as a result of conditions. I’ve seen the plans numerously and in detail, and to be honest, I think the logic regarding the reduction is height (again!) is pretty farsical.
To be honest with you – I don’t really know. As far as I know its a discretionary preference – but I am familiar with the Kerry CoCo system in that regard (in other regards I’d rather not discuss it! :rolleyes: ) and it is useful and informative. I would like to think a similar system would be made available in Cork as it may, to some, extent, reduce the numbers of publuc misinformation regarding certain developments. So, who knows?! Perhaps Cork City Council will have better answers for you. http://www.corkcity.ie I’m sorry I can’t be of much help on that particular topic.
The apartment scheme in Glanmire was contemporary, looked good on paper,
sure the detail would be lost in construction and
would end up lookIng like concrete bunker knowing frinailla’s history
The scheme was too dense on such a prominent and steep site.On today’s Neil Prendeville show on 96FM, it was announced that Patrick Street will have to be dug up to repair ‘faulty drains’. There was total disbelief about this, but City Hall refused to comment on the scale of the digging.
They also hightlighted the ‘farce’ of the roadworks between Grand Parade and Pana – will it ever be sorted? How long is it going on? Why can they always repair roads much quicker in other countries?
I despair. The shop owners on Patrick St are wondering why business is down. Impossible parking coupled with farcical road digging – that’s why. And (here I go again), will they ever remove that vile Portakabin??Lex – any contacts to get this moved??
@charlie’s angel wrote:
The apartment scheme in Glanmire was contemporary, looked good on paper,
sure the detail would be lost in construction and
would end up lookIng like concrete bunker knowing frinailla’s history
The scheme was too dense on such a prominent and steep site.I am not aware of this scheme I thougt that company had received a refusal for low density housing in Glanmire?I suppose paper will always take ink , however good design does merit positive consideration.
@rodger wrote:
Could not agree more, this development will get the creative juices of desiginers going not to mention fueling the egos of our developers this is progress
Regarding what? Eglinton Street? :confused:
@charlie’s angel wrote:The apartment scheme in Glanmire was contemporary, looked good on paper, sure the detail would be lost in construction and would end up lookIng like concrete bunker knowing frinailla’s history
The scheme was too dense on such a prominent and steep site.😮 I think you may have the 2 schemes mixed-up, Frinailla were refused a scheme in the Church Hill/Poulacarry area of Glanmire for 105 houses and 16 service sites (121) over approx. 31 acres – low density scheme. The apartment scheme is at Springmount, across the road from Hazelwood on a steep sloping, narrow site. That application is due on the 18th April 2005. Details and images of that, the Springmount project, can be found at -> http://www.frinailla.ie/residential_4.php?id=4 The jury is still out on the design.
Also, check out the dedicated page for Frinailla’s Dennehy’s Cross development at -> http://www.frinailla.ie/residential_4.php?id=7 The design isn’t public yet, but it’s an interesting aerial shot. Grianbru can be seen in the image – the site of Walsh Consulting’s 22-apartment development, in appeal.
@Pana01 wrote:And (here I go again), will they ever remove that vile Portakabin??
Funny you should mention that – though it seems to be your pet hate (understatement???) :p You may remember me posting that CIE and CCC were intending to install a new permanent facility along Patrick’s Street – befitting of the new streetscape – well I also posted there was some sort of hold-up, turns out that hold-up was in part due to the proposal to bring back the old green-hut (once located beside Father Matthew Statue) – I can’t remember what they called that, was it the Station Master’s Hut or something? I haven’t really being keeping an eye on the whole scenario so I don’t know how firm a proposal that is. But it is widely agreed, except probably CIE, that the Portacabin has to go.
@Pana01 wrote:
They also hightlighted the ‘farce’ of the roadworks between Grand Parade and Pana – will it ever be sorted?
McGinty & O’Shea are the main contractors on that project. Yes it is on-going or rather, long-going, but I believe it is related to structural issues regarding the old city sewers/waterways. E.G. Pettit & Co. are the Structural Engineers involved. But whether or not this helps you sigh relief, here’s a image of what Grand Parade should eventually look like when all the works are complete (below). Once again, Beth Gali Studio are responsible for the streets new design.
@rodger wrote:
any one hear about the John Barley corn inn.
Last I heard the sale of the site had fallen through but there is hope of another one coming through. The site has full planning for a new hotel and leisure centre designed by Cashman & Associates of Lavitts Quay fame
Lexington, the green hut is called the fireman’s hut since it was originally where a fireman kept a watch in case there was a fire on patrick street. Quite what he was supposed to do in case of fire, I don’t know 🙂
Now, radioactiveman likes a bit of CULTURE. So the other day I headed off to Caroline Street to visit the APE OPERA HOUSE! Its located in the old ESB power house on the street (turn onto Maylor st. from Patrick Street and take your first right- i.e. behind Cash’s/Brown Thomas).
I’d urge everyone to take a look at this exhibition- not only for the art- which is a kind of a cross between Planet of the Apes and a night at the opera with lots of plaster! but the building itself is amazing.
It’s a three storey building, originally constructed by Siemens as the power house for the whole city. Its dusty and in need of a clean up but is just crying out to be used as a pemanent exhibition space or museum type affair. The remnants of its industrial past are everywhere and the building is wonderfully lit by nice large windows. Im told, that on the top floor (which is not open to the public) contains the old switchboards for the old electric trams which once traversed the city. It is, i’m told of major historical importance!
This building has stood empty and abandoned for many years. The ESB seem to have no use for it. It is of major historical importance to the city and is a great example of the beauty of functionality in architecture. This is a building built to do a job- no more, no less. That is where its architectural value lies. I’d urge everyone to go to the exhibition- see http://www.cork2005.ie for details and take a look. The artist and indeed Cork2005 deserve high praise- not only for the artistic merit of the work, but for re-introducing us to a gem of a building- just off Patrick st, which i’d forgotten had even existed – NOW THAT’S CULTURE!
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