Look at de state of Cork, like!
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About two years ago I saw the CHQ site and designed a 20 storey sail shaped building that would sit at the start of the island like a ship breaking the water, in my head.Then I saw the Burj al arab. There went my architechtural masterpiece.But it would look better in that position and cork and be more symbolic of the cities martime past.
Interesting to note that when the Port Of Cork renovated their offices several years ago, they installed teak window frames rather than horrible PVC ‘faux’ lookalikes. Given that the originals lasted 100 years, and looked great, why replace them with plastic. Those windows still look great and given the architectural merit of the building it was a wise choice.
Also, anyone got some photos of the ongoing construction of the new airport terminal. Judging by the cost, it must be a local version of the Taj Mahal.
@corcaighboy wrote:
Also, anyone got some photos of the ongoing construction of the new airport terminal. Judging by the cost, it must be a local version of the Taj Mahal.
corcaighboy, I can’t find any images of the ongoing construction, but here is an airside artist’s picture of the terminal (Notice that there’s one airbridge too many 😀 ). I’ll be flying through Cork Airport next Friday and Monday, so I might see if I can take any pictures if people don’t mind rubbish quality off a mobile phone.
The cost isn’t just for the terminal. It includes a new dual-carriageway access road, a new airport fire station and control tower, a multi-storey carpark etc. To my mind the money that was spent on the access road could have been better spent on taxiways and a runway extension.
🙂 John Paul Construction have erected a tower crane over the Howard Holdings’ WebWorks development on Albert Quay (to the rear of Albert House). The development will provide 40,000sq ft + of quality IT/Business incubator office facilities over 4-floors (w/ 5th floor apex) and link up with Albert House, which will include a ground-floor restaurant. Albert House will revert to CCC ownership after 2 years, while remainder of the site has been let to Howard Holdings for 700 years with an initial 2.25m euro downpayment and p.a. payment of 10euros every year thereafter. The project is a joint initiative between Howard Holdings, CCC and Enterprise Ireland. Design is by Scott Tallon Walker – an image will be up in the near future.
🙂 After many a long protracted delay, Tom McCarthy’s George’s Mill along Father Matthew Quay has finally seen building contractors O’Flynn of Banteer, erect scaffolding around the antiquated and derelict former Mill site – to the rear of the prime Bank of Ireland office facility on South Mall. Mr. McCarthy’s Tumblegate Ltd enlisted architects Murray O’Laoire to design the new project which will entail residential, commercial and linked restaurant facilities (the restaurant will link up with Mr. McCarthy’s Jacob’s on the Mall premises along South Mall – a highly successful culinary enterprise which utilises the former Cork city Turkish Baths facility). The news will be music to the ears of many who have long complained of the eye-sore nature of the Mill.
😮 Despite the announcement made by Slattery’s regarding the commencement of a Cork – New York JFK airlink – commencing in October 2005. I can tell you that talks are on-going between 3, possibly 4, US-based carriers about commencing scheduled links between Cork and the USA. The Cork Airport Authority, of whom Loretta Burke Glucksman is helping spearhead, have been conducting talks with Continental Airlines (on a possible Cork – New York Newark route), US Airways (unknown, Philadelphia???) and American Airlines, who will commence Shannon – Boston and Dublin – Chicago O’Hare, services this summer.
Also, news may soon be afoot regarding a development that no doubt City Manager Joe Gavin will be dancing in the aisles about, at the location in and around the below… 😉
Extract from Cork: Has It’s Time Come?
This 1st section concerns moves made by Construction companies in Cork. Future sections will include one of developer moves, and another, on architects.
“…in assessing the current development trends with Cork city, its suburbs, greater area and associated commuter towns, we may determine a relative understanding as to the nature of development engaging the Cork market at present. However, a more telling sign may be sought in assessing the business moves being made among proverbial ‘key-players’ in the development and construction industries…construction company movements represent calculated projections regarding the manner in which they can strategically maximise welfare…
…consider the key/big general contractor company players in the Cork region (historically): PJ Hegarty, Bowen, Fleming, Ascon, Sisk – with lesser but important inputs from the likes of Pierse, Murnane & O’Shea and in more specific development related operations. O’Flynn Construction, O’Brien & O’Flynn etc. What have we witnessed recently? We have seen companies like Bowen & Hegarty position themselves into positions capable of facilitating the projected increase in demand they expect from large contracting projects within the Cork region. Bowen in particular have increased their Cork-based capabilities to facilitate this such demand. However, what has been more interesting, has been the highly aggressive competition we’ve witnessed in recent times of firms (historically present but not traditionally ‘big-players’ in the Cork market) like John Paul Construction. JPC have and continue to make major moves into the Cork market, capturing prime building contracts even from established developer/contractor relationships (OCP and Bowen, Howard Holdings and Hegarty etc). JPC have embarked on constructing a new, large purpose built administritive premises on Little Island (currently in appeal) such is there commitment and expectations of the Cork market over the coming years. A spokesperson for JPC has stated, “We see Cork as a prime market for us over the prospective future. Although we have traditionally engaged in activities within the region, we are now actively pursuing a well-recognised and established presence in the city and county, and to facilitate this, we’ve made substantial investments in the market. We are also hoping to play a major part in the redevelopment of the city’s docklands over the years…” So far, JPC’s aggressive approach seems to paying off with major projects at Grand Parade, Albert Quay, Old Blackrock Road, Churchfield (to name a few) all in full swing. This has given the traditional players a bit of a shake-up. They now realise the need to competitively adapt to this new environment, and so far, they seem to be doing so with relative success. Bowen have secured long-term contracts with OCP for the Lancaster Quay/Jurys redevelopment (over 3 to 4 years of work) and Academy Street. Hegarty’s have development plans of their own, but have secured other long-term contracts with the Shipton Group for Blackpool and Carrigaline. Sisk (who have been sliding in market share) are attempting a comeback with major contracts for Union Quay, possibly UCC and their own hotel development at Airport Road. Pierse have embarked on an ambitious joint venture with developers Lyonshall, worth 180m euros, for the former Ursuline Convent in Blackrock – and also with contracts for UCC; Ascon/Rohcon have been very successful with Fota Retail Park, Blackpool, Cork County Hall, Kinsale Road Roundabout Fly-over and Cork Airport contracts.
…another market entrant, traditionally associated with operations in the midlands and east/Dublin region, has been Michael McNamara & Co. Construction. The company has had some operations in Cork, but has now moved in for the kill. Their expectations of the Cork development market reflect those of JPC. McNamara’s have been successful in securing the contract for Phase 2 of Omnistone’s Cork Airport Business Park (the 1st Phase was constructed by Bowen). McNamara’s are also actively seeking and competing for prominent city centre developments with which to establish themselves as a new force to be reckoned with…
…but who else is on the horizon? Strabag AG (Austrian Construction firm) say some!…
…but beyond established national players penetrating the Cork market, another noteworthy response to the flourishing Cork market has been the growth in domestic firms. Cumnor Construction have grown rapidly from a small house-building firm to become a company capable of handling large-scale landmark contracts (such as Hanranka Ltd’s Knapps Square development). Jim Davis & Co. have moved quietly into city centre development with a new 20-unit, 5-storey apartment scheme under construction along Leitrim Street (designed by RORSA); Murnane & O’Shea (also active in development) have taken on sizeable schemes at Blackpool, Pine Street, Ballincollig and Bachelor’s Quay; John F. Supple are working a large schemes at Carrolls Quay, Shandon Street, Upper John Street and Killarney, among others…
…also of note has been the gradually southward migration of large construction and development companies, usually only ever associated with midland and Dublin projects, particularly P. Elliot & Co. The company recently established a southern office in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary – but has its sights on the Cork market. Informants say the company is currently assessing an option of a grand-entrance into the Cork city development market with plans for a docklands scheme valued at around 30m euros. Although the scheme is very preliminary (with preplanning talks having yet to commence), its indicative of the way in which these companies are thinking – and the confidence with which they have invested in Cork’s future…”
– Lexington © 2005 😀
NOTE: since the time of writing I have been told P. Elliot and Company have not formalised any prospective plans regarding a docklands development, however, that the city remains on the agenda long-term w/ options on development opportunities. The text shall remain unchanged as it is from a greater bulk and was correct at time of writing based on the available information presented.Who are the authors Lex? (Edited: Actually, sorry, I just notided the small ‘c’ symbol beside your name at the bottom)
Pity the roof doesn’t cantilever out over the apron to give the punters even a small likelihood of escaping the weather, given that only two bridges are being provided, Aer Arann can’t use them and Aer Lingus don’t want to!
I see Mr. Frank o’mahony of Wilson architects is around UCC today running through Boole library extension plans! Work on dismantling the College road gateway is already going on. From the information session that was held in the college about the extension there recently, i understand the gateway is being rebuilt after construction of the library extension. it’s a protected structure.
Lex, are you going to put a link to the full version of Cork: Has it’s time come? on this thread?
Whats going on with the Rhino rooms on the Coal Quay and the building on the Grand Parade side of it?😮 (<- I love that guy!) As we speak, OCP are on tenderhooks – as the Jurys appeal report is with the board (ABP) awaiting a decision for tomorrow. It's not yet known whether an extension will be allocated or whether the decision will be made there and then – so say individuals with ABP. I'll keep you posted. 🙁
@Radioactiveman wrote:Lex, are you going to put a link to the full version of Cork: Has it’s time come? on this thread?
Whats going on with the Rhino rooms on the Coal Quay and the building on the Grand Parade side of it?1. Hopefully at some stage in the future I’ll post a link to the full text, but for the time being the text will be extracted concerning various elements (i.) Construction Firms (ii.) Developers (iii.) Architects (iv.) Tourism Strategies (v.) Docklands – Critical Mass of Business and Development Sustainability. Allah bidding they’ll be posted over the course of the next few weeks.
As regards 93, Grand Parade, William Forde (of the Owenahincha Hotel in Roscarbery) is partially demolishing the building (a former discount store if I’m correct) and reconstructing it for ground-floor retail use and office use on the upper floors.
😉 May (!!!) make an announcement on an exciting docklands proposal tonight (around 8:30pm-ish) depending (so don’t count on it!) But if you’ve been following the posts, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s a premature announcement – still subject to preplanning talks – but I’ll let you know what’s been discussed/proposed so far.lexington wrote:]
You really know how to keep us all on tenderhooks Lex! 🙂
A date for everyone’s diary:Kyrl’s Quay Design Ideas Competition
A selection of entries for this competition, including the prizewinners, will be on display at two locations in the near future.
Bodega Bar on Cornmarket Street 19th and 20th May.
City Hall, Anglesea Street, 23rd-27th May.
Entrance is free and the public are encorouged to come along and see some of the exciting possibilities for the future development of this part of the city.
This competition was orgainised by CCC and RIAI as part of CORK2005.
I am most looking forward to this. I have visit this area many times and will be most excited to see what visions have been created for this place.
🙂 also I agree, very excited for the docklands proposal. Hope it can be for tonight!!!
I was actually referring to County Hall Lex 😉 I hadn’t been past that direction in quite a while, and didn’t realise work had started there.
Can’t wait to see the Kyrl’s Quay proposals in the Bodega; a big, riverside site and an incentive to go for height (to hide the multi story car park), plus it’s an excuse to go to the pub.
🙂 Hopefully Friday the 13th won’t represent bad luck (and thankfully I don’t believe any of that) for O’Flynn Construction who lodged their Significant Further Information request for Eglinton Street with CCC on that date. Some alterations of to the scheme have been made. Submissions are open for 10 more days in light of the nature of the information received – with a planning decision date now scheduled for the 7th July 2005. Construction on the project is not likely now until 2006 (as previously mentioned in an earlier post).
The changes included will seek to alter the development’s perimeter buildings, which generally comprised of between 6 to 8 storeys in height, will now be 5 storeys in shoulder height, w/ a set back of 2-storeys. A feature 6-storey, with set back 2 storey, pod will be located at the end of Albert Street. The landmark 17-storey tower will remain unchanged other than revisions to the upper floors and a height reduction to the parapets along the street frontages of the perimeter buildings. Due to the changes, some residential floor spaces have be rearranged – allowing for the formation of new penthouses recessed above and behind the parapet lines of perimeter buildings. Furthermore, this has allowed for an increase in apartment numbers from 217 (in original application) to 226 in this revised submission. The units will be laid out as follows: 37 1-bedroom units; 160 2-bedroom units, 29 3-bedroom units. An additional retail units of over 2500sq ft will also be provided within the northern perimeter buildings.
( A QUICK NOTE: I’ve retained a degree of hesistancy about posting this information for a number of reasons – among them, the preliminary nature of the dealings, some conflicting reports and a number of other side issues. Though a number of sources close to the project have confirmed the details, as will follow, I would ask those of you reading this particular post to keep in mind that the plans are subject to preplanning discussions. Most information posted (the good majority) has come from reliable individuals attached to the project.)
It is believed that O’Callaghan Properties have been earmarked as the quiet deal winners in attaining the highly desirable Custom House Quay premises – encompassing Anderson’s Quay (to the north) – in a process that was subject to lengthy negotiations with landowners, the Port of Cork and leaseholders JW Green. Among the plans being devised for the site, with consulting engineers (whom I will name in a later post) already working on early studies, is a mixed-use development which will peak on the eastern head of the site (facing out over the Lee – the very tip of Cork island) with a landmark tower (currently 15-storeys in height). The plan will see the development wrap around the existing period warehousing facilities on both quays – however, it is likely the Cork Bonded Warehouses ageing extension – not part of the historic PoC warehousing – will be demolished to allow for development space.
JW Green warehousing, which held a lengthy lease on all of the site’s warehousing from the PoC, apparently agreed to sell the lease, following 3-way discussions between OCP, PoC and JW Green themselves who will now be relocating their activities to new premises on Little Island. PoC have remained vehement in the retention of the PoC warehousing – its incorporation into the larger scheme is a touchy point of negotiation among preplanning discussions (on-going). Though it is not confirmed, it is believed the PoC will remain in their current facilities at Custom House. OCP had been persuant of the land for quite some time and represents a trophy catch, valued at just under 7m euros (est’d) – although earlier quotes from PoC (regarding other negotiations on other deals, had quoted 10m euros). The land had also been the subject of a legal dispute between the PoC and Oakeridge Ltd over property rights claims – this would now seem to have been resolved (?). A boardwalk is expected to continue on from the wonderful facility provided by Howard Holdings at City Quarter on Lapps Quay. Catering for ongoing docking activities at the quays is currently unknown. The project has yet to reach the hands of a designated architect, for what one source jokingly described as being for ‘tarting up!’ (although names have been short-listed). It seems that OCP have promised CCC that any development on this prized, but difficult plot of land, will be of the utmost quality and sensitivity with an outstanding architectural design worthy of its location. Plans remain yet to be formalised – may I remind you of that. An announcement however, is expected within the coming weeks – when, I’m not so sure, but I’ll do my best to find out. Materialisation of the plan is not expected until at least late-2007 at the very earliest (likely longer considering design stage, planning, appeal and actual construction).
The plan, if realised, will provide a landmark entrance into the city from the east along Horgan’s Quay. The height may yet be reduced given the incredible sensitivity of the location.
That’s what is known so far, I have some other details, but I’ll have to hold back on those for a while until we see what exactly is put down on formal papers. Hang on to your hats – I’ll update and correct any information herein subject to available information. I’ll also try and have some images up of the site when I can.
I really can’t understand this!
Did Port of Cork see OCP coming? 10 million Euro seems an enormous sum of money for a site which has extremely limited potential. Despite the original POC warehousing, which could (very sensitively) be turned into some sort of entertainment use (its surely too far distant from City Centre for CCC to allow retail) there is little or no space there for anyhting else.
A VERY slim tower at the harbour end could be their only hope- but 15 towers, realistically they havent a hope of getting anywhere near that! And none of us would want a squat little block stuck at the end of the CIty Island.
As for development along the quays, the best they can hope for is a few ‘cubicles’ akin to City Quarter. There’s noway they’ll get permission for anything ‘around’ the warehousing!
If OCP want to pour money into this one, fine by me, I’d be delighted to see what they come up with as regards plans. But, despite my general willingness to welcome most new plans for the city centre, I doubt whether this will get very far and, though it pains me to say so… I hope it doesn’t.I presume I’m going to be shouted down, but I’m nailing my colours to the mast right now on this one.
i have to agree. a high-quality and high-impact building can be achieved by means other than high-rise and large square footage. the idea of removing the bonded warehouses is appalling, and it is one of the few things i would ever object to regards development in cork city.
i can’t imagine a developer-led scheme finding the balance between what makes good business sense on that site (read high rent) and what would be the best solution for the city. the though of driving in along horgans quay and being greeted by a tower at the confluence of the north and south channel is something i wouldn’t be very comfortable with.
@sw101 wrote:
the idea of removing the bonded warehouses is appalling, and it is one of the few things i would ever object to regards development in cork city.
The Cork Bonded Warehouses do not form part of the Port of Corking warehousing facilities (see image outline the 2 in previous post). They are not PS and are of no architectural or historic value.
From my own point of view, I personally have a major soft spot for this site. I think its one of the prettiest settings in the city (less the unsightly CBW extension). The patterns on the cobbled quaysides are exceptionally attractive. I will reserve judgement on any proposal until I see it. A little imagination could actually add to the site – such as ‘wave-like’ elevations along the quayside to permit visual contact from the opposing quays of the warehousing. Let’s just wait and see if anything materialises from this. Remember, the 15-storey tower element is not confirmed – and will likely be substantially revised to a lower-rise element.
RM – previous proposals had been submitted to the PoC about maintaining the warehousing and quaysides for amenity use – with a cantilevered boardwalk wrapping around the site to allow for leisure and docking facilities to be retained. An extension was to be added to the warehousing on the east – post CBW demolition – this would cater for a landmark 2-storey building – from which a 15m sculpture would rise of a ‘maiden’ looking out over the Lee (apparently waiting for her ‘lover’ to return from the sea!!!). The warehousing would have been refurbished and converted to entertainment usage. Quayside stalls would open out onto the boardwalk – allowing a mix of retail and cafes etc. And other details… The problem is, PoC pretty much priced anyone with such pleasant ideas out of it. Brendan Keating (CEO) has remarked that (State backed or not), PoC is still a company and needs to finance its activities – therefore it was obligated to seek the highest price. Unfortunately the highest price makes the aforementioned activities highly restricted in their viability (when you also include development, refurbishment, JW Green lease buyout, insurance, marketing and other costs). The 10m euro price, it would seem, was not achieved by the PoC – but it had been a guide it had been throwing about. So its not as though developers hadn’t been trying. OCP are simply trying to maximise their value. But note that 3 development plans are being assessed, of which the aforementioned is only 1. I’m not clear on the other options – they may be more in line with what you would wish for the site. But let’s just wait and see how this one goes before we all huff and puff.
hey there! seems i’ve been missing out on the action!!!!!!! glad eglinton st is back in the picture. even better to see the tower is still there, that woulda been a big loss.
as for the custom quay thing, i wouldnt be gettin to crazy about it. sure i like the buildings and stuff but liek lets see whats on the offer, eh??? lex said it wasnt a definite anyway so gettin steamy bout it may just be a big waste of energy. thnaks for the heads up there anyway.
any more pics on clontarf st??? thats the development im really interested in! the clarks bridge offices seem ok – suppose that area could do with a do-up anyway. saw the plans for crosses green nearby! christ almighty are they for real??? does architecture constitute sketching bricks nowadays? what is it, seven storeys??? seven storeys of unflushed toilet.
@pier39 wrote:
saw the plans for crosses green nearby! christ almighty are they for real??? does architecture constitute sketching bricks nowadays? what is it, seven storeys??? seven storeys of unflushed toilet.
:p lol! i agree. this building is most ugly. it detracts (?) from the beauty of the cathedral nearby. it is not style at all. very ugly. what do any other people think of this?
genario
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