Look at de state of Cork, like!

I’ll be honest with you, for over a week now, on and off, I’ve been trying to ‘dignify’ the images I have of Paul Kenny’s proposed Revenue Commissioners offices along St. Patrick’s Quay/Lower Glanmire Road. The 130,000sq ft + development ranges between 4 and 7 storeys in 2 seperate buildings linked together by bridges and was designed by Paud O’Mahony et al at Wilson Architecture. 235 underground spaces for parking will be provided on 2 levels (see details of development in prev. posts). My new software program seems continually to deplete the quality of the images and often require scans, distortions and so on – simply to make them visible. I’ve sent a complaint to the Finnish-manufacturers and am awaiting an updated program. Rant aside, I will post up images (the best of a bad lot) of the development’s quayside elevation later tonight for your approving eyes. I have to say, this project is undoubtedly (in my eyes) on of the best projects Wilson Architecture have produced. Paul Kenny clearly went into the race for the Revenue Commissioners to win it and the design relfects that. It will provide a landmark building along the quays – and with a proximity so close to Kent Station – the development really caps the bag.

I was talking to an involved party with the OPW not so long ago, who stated that they had been very impressed by the proposal and was in ‘the top 3’ (?!). In my opinion, the only thing that stands in Mr. Kenny’s way, is the probable length of the planning process. The application was lodged tight against the deadline. McCarthy Developments, who also made a presentation, have the advantage of planning attained. While OFC have proposed BTC’s office campus with some exceptionally attractive rates, however, the distance from the city centre dampers their prospects somewhat. The OPW did say however, they would seek the best offer and the best scenario thats suits them. BTC will become highly accessible with the opening of the Ballincollig By-Pass. However, the Kenny development represents perhaps, one of the best office developments proposed for Cork in some time (my guess is, they’ve probably got it! But then again I could be disproved). Well done to all involved. Judge for yourself later tonight (9pm-ish), til then, I’ll keep working on these blasted images!!! :rolleyes:

Clontarf Street ‘Tower’ to be lodged
😀 DAT Partnerships are to apply for the development of a 9-storey office building of approx. 31,000sq ft at the small, triangular shaped site bordered by Clontarf Street, Oliver Plunkett Street Lower and Deane Street (to the north of No.5 & No.6 Lapps Quay). The plan previously reported in one of my earlier posts, which constituted a larger 12-storey building, was revised down to its current height following pre-planning talks with CCC planners who advised the reduction. Coughlan de Keyser are the architects and Cohlan Downing Associates are expected to be the letting/sale agents when the project is complete – work on the new landmark building (which will provide another unique addition to this fast expanding area of commercial development) will not commence (subject to planning) for about 10months. The lot is currently being let for car-parking purposes. The new development will represent a new landmark building (in the proper sense) come completion. A ‘flame’ like structure.

🙂 The first sections of a tower crane have arrived at the Albert Quay site for Howard Holdings’ WebWorks development. Design is by Scott Tallon Walker. Contractors are John Paul Construction. The crane should be erected within the coming month progress pending.

Here’s the image!

Try as I might, I’m afraid this is as clear as it gets. It was printed, then captured on a WebCam – hence the elemental blur. But the important thing is it provides a visual on the development. I personally believe it to be one of Wilson Architecture’s nicer efforts. The facades on the western side are being incorporated as protected structures. One may argue that it provides a sense of imbalance, perhaps, the ideal would be to centred the facades were they to be incorporated. But given their status – that’s hardly feasible. In the end, one may argue their incorporation perhaps adds ‘character’ to the quayside elevation. The only real shame about this project is the refusal by both McLaughlins (Vet & Animal Care produce) and Bell Scott, both on Ship Street, to sell up and allow for a greater continuity to the project along that elevation. Perhaps, perhaps – they may go the way of O’Brien Office Supplies w.r.t. City Quarter – and decide better halfway through development. Donal F. O’Donovan (DFOD Consultants/DL Safety) and his Clyde House however, on Brian Boru Street, I hear through the grapevine – may be looking to sell or redevelop their premises in the near future. Comments have been made to the ‘nautical’ evocation of the Kenny Development design – opinions?

wow!what the Kennys want the Kennys get.

Yeah, have to say I think it (the kenny development) would do wonders for the quays along this area. Its very near Horgans quay too which i hear Martin Cullen siad was closing in our agreement between the Cork Corp, cie and a private developer.

Is anyone else hoping that Treasury holdings are not going to be involved in Horgans quays redevelopment??? Their track record and recent developments in the Dublin docklands are so ugly boring and downright lazy, we could do with less of that down here. I know Manor Park were involved too at one stage and their not much better.

@satanta99 wrote:

looking at the 3D rendering above gives the impression that we could see something special emerge from this site… fingers crossed. Does the glass facade extend over the original building on the south western side of the development, have to say I’m really impressed. But I’m really looking forward to seeing what is planned for the clontarf street site. It could be so good on such an interesting site!

Yeah I agree with ya on both those things. Its funny cos I wasnt expecting much on the kenny development but when I saw it i had to take a step back and say whoa! And with the Clontarf street building i have huge expectations. It mightnt be the biggest development in Cork but it is surely one of the most interesting, how they get a building like their proposing on a site that small and with such a unique shape in such a unique place is gonna be something to see. i REALLY hope i’m not let down on this one, its gonna have to be good architecture speaking to make it work on that site. No doubt Lex will have something up on it soon. Bring it on!!!

:confused: It seems that John McCarthy Motorpoint (SAAB dealership) in the Railway/Alfred Street vicinity (next to Kent Station) may be seeking to shift premises over the coming months – freeing up a vital and strategically important site for redevelopment within the north docklands of the city. The site is located adjacent to the Long-Term parking facility of Kent Station, which, is supposedly subject to a 25m euro redevelopment (although, again, CIE seem to have put this on the back-burner for a small while, contrary to promises made by Chairman Dr. John Lynch). The Motorpoint site is located near the Kenny Group redevelopment of its Patrick’s Quay premises for new purpose designed Revenue Commissioners office space (currently in planning) and a small but noteworthy development at the former Unity Garage along the Lower Glanmire Road (see keeneye posts with drawings) by BrideView Developments. A recently sold 18,000sq ft warehousing premises also along Alfred/Railway Street fetched a supposed 4m euros through agents Dominic Daly – plans are being worked for that particular site, which will form part of a site accumulation, however, there is no timeframe available for . It’s not clear what the future intentions of the dealership are, but, its guessed that they may choose to relocate to new purpose built premises as part of a MotorMall by either John Cleary Developments (recently greenlit) at Mahon Point (on the former Sifco premises) or at EastGate MotorMall currently under construction by OFC.

MotorPoint are not confirming any rumours and in some cases denying it, but involved sources say not to be put off by that. One source said, “It makes sense, their premises are currently too restrictive to allow any business related development. The docklands is taking off with a number of projects like McCarthy Developments office block, Kenny’s office development, Werdna’s proposals, O’Callaghan’s plans…MotorPoint’s sale will bag McCarthy’s a tidy sum and allow them relocate to new, stylish and accessible accommodation. It’s probably a few months away, but it is on the cards.” (edited for coherency) That particular source is acting as a consultant for one interested party looking at options on the site.

I look forward, as I’m sure you all will, to see if anything comes of it. 😮

any ideas or firm speculation on who bought the tesco site in midleton?

yeah, 5.1 million, got way more than they bargained for. Not bad considering the guide price was 3.2 mill.

rodger,

what do you mean ‘restricted to comparison retail by covenant’ – does it not have a Town Centre Zoning? – including convenience?

Google maps launched their Ireland / England site last week.
http://www.google.co.uk/maps

Still lacking alot of detail, especially outside the major cities.
No satellite imagery available yet either (the US one does)

But handy for Cork City.