lexington
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kite wrote:😮 Labour Party me arse…]
Not quite the point I was making – I’ll remove that remark, lest it be misinterpreted. Its not a political point.
This is taken from a recent rant of mine concerning Cork’s Future. In it, I noted a number of ‘problems’ I feared, if not overcome, would damage the successful realisation of Cork’s development and regeneration. Among these fears is Cork’s reputation as a ‘litter blackspot’. Again walking the streets of the city today I felt compelled to post this – litter is an issue that needs to be tackled from the ground (literally) up, starting not simply with physical work, but also educational. It is a mindset that needs to be changed radically and rapidly. I can’t help but sometimes blush with embarrassment at some eye-sores and littered places around the city.
As one of my friends commented to me recently as we discussed the situation, “If my wife was as dirty as Cork, I wouldn’t be able for work in the morning”.
1. Civic Pride/Maintenance – relates much more to the attitudes of persons and groups associated with the Cork region. As I walked Daunt Square and Saint Patrick’s Street yesterday afternoon (and I have mentioned this extensively before) I was still struck by the volume of litter bleamishing the pavements. This is an issue I think that is far too casually dismissed. Social and environmental conscience is a nice concept – everyone agrees or at least agrees with novelty efforts for reasons of public image – however I don’t think it is sufficiently taken to heart; this is evident by pacing Cork’s city centre streets and suburbs. The same old tired agruments emerge from businesses, public bodies and the public alike – “It’s too costly”, “I have to take care of my business first and foremost, I don’t have enough time or finance to meet the requirements for environmental care demanded”, “That’s what the street cleaners are for”, “The City Council already spend X, Y and Z a year on environmental programs and are curently doing A, B and C”. I am aware of all this but it still is not good enough and it is not working to what should be the appropriate standard. Environmental education needs to be forcefully drilled into the mindsets of children from nursery school non-stop until they reach their final year in Secondary School. Every litter bin in every street in Cork should be subdivided in paper, plastic, glass etc (of course some persons won’t give 2 hoots about this – so enforce it with strictly regulated, performance-pay-related Litter Wardens who can work in conjunction with the Gardai (give them a linked radio frequency) to document, enforce and punish individuals there and then with community service for example (street cleaning etc) depending on the extent of the offence). The existing numeracy, monitoring and nature of bring sites around Cork is inadequate. Too often persons shove mixed-rubbish bags into the same slot of a recycle bin because there is no accounting for disregard. The recycle centre in Trim, Co. Meath is perhaps a good model for an organised, monitored and well structured Bring Site – more of this please in Cork.Street-cleaning is often looked upon as a low-bracket job ~ an image which needs serious revision. I have observed some genuinely hard-working and attentive gentlemen and women on the streets of Cork fulfilling the roles of Sanitation Officers; however given the volume of city centre traffic (pedestrian and otherwise), the frequency of such work is insufficient. There is a need for more officers on the streets with the capacity to continuously clean paving (stains, chewing gum etc), collect and organise litter, weed unsightly vegetation non-stop 16 hours a day on all Cork’s major city centre streets (in various shifts of course) with awards based on volume and extent of work. Yes this is a costly operation but it is an essential one which should under no circumstances be given second stroke. Cork features too prominently too often on Ireland’s Annual Litter Black-spots list – walking the streets of the city today highlights the reasons why only too well.
All building proprietors by strictly enforced law should ensure the upkeep and presentation of their buildings – everything from paint, stains, watermarks, broken pipes, slates, signage, unsightly vegetation growth (moss, weeds etc) – should be regularly reviewed by assigned agents under the direction of an independently appointed body; perhaps in conjunction with reports by the aforementioned santitation officers who will be most frequently on the streets to observe such failings. Where funds are genuinely unavailable to carry out immediate works, perhaps an interest-based loan system may be made by the City Council to proprietors for instant works.
The attitude to our environment in Cork is as much a mindset issue as much as it is a capacity one. I’ve heard so many economic, social and not-my-problem arguments and I’m not convinced by any of them. Cork’s presentation and environment is the responsibility of everyone. The long-term benefits (i.e. tourism, investment etc) are overlooked so easily on the basis that they are strategic and not immediate. A pity that must end. It’s time to get your cleaning act in order Cork.
😮 Dunnes Stores’ planned €30m redevelopment of its founding store at 102 – 105 Saint Patrick’s Street has been given the go-ahead by Cork City Council in advance of the scheduled due date of July 17th 2006. The prime development involves the demolition of an entire assembled block fronting Saint Patrick’s Street and stretching back to Drawbridge Street – it is also bordered by Bowling Green Street to the west (across which O’Callaghan Properties have designs for their large Academy Street project) and William Street to the east – and the construction of a multi-level block over 2 basement levels. The initial design by Bertie Pope & Associates was lodged back in October of 2005 and called for a 6-storey over basement development with convenience retailling at basement level with comparison retail and restaurant over 5-levels, above which existed a further plant and storage level. The facades between 103 and 105 Saint Patrick’s Street were earmarked for retention. Concerns regarding bulk, massing and design were expressed by Cork City Council, subsequently Further Information was requested in November 2005 and answered in May 2006. Importantly, under the initial planning assessment note was given to the lack of live/active uses fronting Bowling Green and William Streets – a clearly stated objective of the Cork City Development Plan 2004.
The revised design was undertaken jointly by Bertie Pope & Associates and Douglas Wallace Architects. Revisions to the scheme included a reduction in height with a significant volume of plant equipment relocated to an additional storage basement level. Alterations were addressed to the frontages of both Drawbridge and Saint Patrick’s Streets – including projected fenestration at the corners of Saint Patrick’s Street/Bowling Green Street and Drawbridge Street/William Street – these projections were removed by planning condition given their overbearing effect on the streetscapes. Revisions to the roof detailling have also been set for review by condition. Despite these alterations, the planning report commented, “Overall the Further Information response is regarded as achieving design improvements and alterations that will lead to an architectural and commercial development which enhances significantly the vitality and attractiveness of the city centre.”
General development levies weighed in just short of €1m. When complete, the project will represent Dunnes Stores’ flagship facility in Cork and revitalise the historic premises which first lay home to the original Dunnes Stores opened by Ben Dunne Snr. in 1944.
😮 Coughlan de Keyser Architects have lodged additional information with Cork City Council regarding the much anticipated CentrePoint project for Clontarf Street. The proposal by DAT Partnership seeks to realise a 9-storey office building on a tiny triangular site bordered by Lower Oliver Plunkett Street to the south, Deane Street to the west and Clontarf Street to the east. The latest batch of information (the 4th batch to date!) is in repsonse to Cork City Council’s request for further details highlighting that the previous round of information submitted was inadequate. The proposal has been significantly revised since its original inception and is now due scheduled for a decision on July 23rd 2006.😮 Wednesday, June 28th 2006 – that’s the expected date for a decision by An Bord Pleanala regarding Frinailla Developments plans for Dennehy’s Cross. The scheme of 163 mixed residential units, commercial/community facilities and triple-deck basement car-parking designed by O’Mahony Pike Architects was first lodged with Cork City Council on the 30th September 2005 and granted on the 14th February 2006 subject to a reduction of 7 apartments from the northern block. The scheme garnered praise from numerous sources and was favourably commented on in the planner’s final report. Despite this, an appeal was brought against the renewal project – Frinailla too appealed conditions including those related to contribution fees on a first party basis. Though the final decision date may waiver, subject to ABP decision, the project should begin works come October 2006 when the Dennehy’s Cross site formally hands over to the developers. A further application is expected as part of a 2nd phase on the Dennehy’s Cross Garage showrooms at the south-west end of the crossroads later this year.
The scheme, whose southern block is seen here fronting Magazine Road, will contain a mix of residential units and green-space/amenity area between the 2 blocks.
who_me – the docks adjacent to the IAWS (R&H Hall) Silos, Kennedy Quay, are usually busy during weekdays but can be easily accessed on weekends by the public. As part of the redevelopment of the docklands, this area will provide a highly important element in that – almost more than anywhere else – it officiates a linkage between the city centre, the emerging civic quarter around City Hall and the South Docklands. Expect the building line to be brought forward, closer to the waterfront – with riverwalks/boardwalks running along the quayside hopefully line with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes and shops.Thanks jdivision wasn’t quite sure on the status of the Clarendon Properties project – haven’t been keeping my eye on Dublin as much as I should in some time. Must rectify that. In any event, the prospect of attracting a retaillers like A&F must have some developers foaming at the mouth. Mike Jefferies has asserted that they would be cautious in approaching European markets and that taking up shop would be on their terms. Interesting.
daniel_7 – the Northern Ring Road scheme has clear short-term economic advantages yes. I am well aware of the ins-and-outs of the project but I can’t help but feel its money in the wrong pocket. The €500m would be much better spent on the investment of a quality light-rail system. We’re far too accommodating to the ‘car’ in this country as it is – I feel the project in its current conception will simply uproot some pleasant country-side and damage the city’s greenbelt in the long run.
I’m just putting this post up here to answer some questions I get asked quite often so as to clear up or inform those who seek details. Sorry if I step to one-side from prime topics for a moment.
1. Aviation Development
I posted a few weeks back of news on a possible aviation development related to Cork which I would try and make known before July. I have held back on details as I do not have clarity on a number of issues – again, I may post some details as ‘speculation’ in the absence of such details. However the development does not relate to Cork Airport or the Cork Airport Authority.
2. Abercrombie & Fitch
Apparently some persons have not forgotten the post I made last July (2005) regarding the prospect of an expansion by highly popular US-based fashion chain Abercrombie & Fitch into Europe and possibly Ireland. The details here have mixed and matched over the last few months following a stir up in management with the company, most notably the resignation of Chief Operating Officer Robert Singer in August 2005 after only 15 months with the company. It was Mr. Singer who had championed the expansion of the chain into Europe and aided the set-up of a European-division based in Milan and headed up by former Gucci executive Francesco Giannaccari. A&F had agreed terms to open its 1st European store at Burlington Gardens situated off Bond Street, Oxford Street and Saville Row in London. The unit which A&F had intended to occupy was tenanted by retailler Jil Sander. Under Mr. Singer, A&F sought to open up to 20 stores across Europe – Ireland had indeed been cited as a destination for up to 2 possible stores in the short-to-medium term although this was never formally confirmed. Other locations cited included additional stores in the UK (and specifically London), Spain, Italy and unspecified Scandinavian locations. CEO Mike Jefferies has indicated recently that A&F is still committed to expansion in the UK, Canada and selected European markets but will do so cautiously. As I understand it, again, Ireland is well positioned given the generally high mark-up by many recent international trading names established here. Along with the UK, Ireland is increasingly seen as a ‘safe’ location for expanding US chains such as Guess? Jeans who are eyeing up a unit in a prospective retail development by Paddy McKillen’s Clarendon Properties just off Grafton Street in Dublin. Based on information a few months old, were any expansion into Ireland initiated, Dublin would represent the initial trading location (preferably city centre) with additional moves made based on the store’s performance, however regional expansions were not ruled out – though the individual markets remained unassessed. Outside the UK, other possible locations shortlisted for investigation included Barcelona and Milan. No set timeframe for a roll-out is clear. Undoubtedly such a prized catch would represent nothing short of a coup for proposals in locations like Academy Street, Joe O’Donovan’s plans or even the plans of Manor Park Homebuilders. Wishful thinking perhaps? :rolleyes:
The company operates 352 Abercrombie & Fitch (premium brand) stores, 163 Abercrombie (children’s clothing) stores, 289 Hollister Co. (slightly lower cost clothing) stores and 6 RUEHT stores across the US and Canada.
@who_me wrote:
Incidentally, what are the plans for the open section in the front wall? I assume it’s for a glass frontage, but it would be pretty horrible if it ended up being PVC bordered glass panes.
The frontage, as par the granted plans, calls for a glazed frontage.
😮 Interesting to see the Painting & Decorating company has moved retailling from a wonderful redbrick premises at the corner of Parnell Place and Lower Oliver Plunkett Street, formally called Nelson’s Quay. The business has relocated to a suburban business park and leaves open the possibility of a sensitive (very sensitive) renewal opportunity at this location. Arthur O’Connor who possesses a pivotal corner site directly opposite Nelson’s Quay (across Oliver Plunkett Street) has set about refurbishing the building’s upper floors into a residential townhouse – pity that this entire corner from the Barber Shop around the corner and back to Deane Street hasn’t seen redevelopment activity to date – as this area is out of sync and an eye-sore on what could be an better measure and more tasteful larger scale development. However that may soon change.
😮 Also interesting is Gerry Barrett (of Edward Holdings/Monogram Hotels) and his involvement backing Topaz Energy’s acquisition of Statoil Ireland for the €285m. Topaz Energy, which is majority held by Ion Equity, and is already active in forecourt trading through its Shell Ireland operation will likely seek to merge activities between the 2 brands. As part of the acquisition, Topaz attains Statoil Distribution facilities in Dublin, Cork and Galway, among other centres. It would be interesting to see if merged trading activities free-up lands here for development. Notably, it could allow in activity transfers by Shell to more accessible Statoil facilities (such as those at the Tivoli Docks) – an example like that of Shell’s Cork Docklands facility could be a possibility. Currently Shell engages in costly distribution transfers of its deposits between facilities in Cork by vessels (petroleum is refined at its Ringaskiddy facility and transported to Centre Park Road for distribution – operationally it would make more sense to locate a distribution centre closer to the source of refinement or at a more accessible site; petroleum is offloaded on the quays at Marina Commercial Park and pumped across Centre Park Road to its distribution facility). It may make long term sense to wind up activity at the Docklands site in light of a new facility gained through the Statoil acquisition and allow the Cork Docklands site seek redevelopment. Would Gerry Barrett be interested in such an opportunity? Its all a speculative long-shot of course, but then again, Mr. Barrett has been sizing up opportunities in Cork over recent times and has made moves such as the purchase of a 4.25 acre commercially zoned site along the Airport Road for €13.8m. It is believed not to be his sole consideration in the Cork market over the coming future.
There is a lot of truth in that –
however, I would point out that a great deal of the questions asked could be easily answered by navigating the forums or using the search facility. It can be a little disheartening to see the same questions re-emerge time and time again. To that end, the influx of certain questions (of a similar nature) can be tiresome and seems to detract somewhat for discussion focusses. To this end, frustration can at times be understood. Beyond that, I do agree that attitudes sometimes expressed a reflectant of the issues highlighted by burge_eye and that is most disappointing.
I would be perhaps beneficial to all concerned were there a highlighted link/banner at the homepage directing all those with planning enquiries to the Planning Matters forum and each unique question posted utilising a ‘countdown’ facility as some problem forums contain, which indicates questions that have not be answered. This would provide a categorisation of unique problems and allow new users easily look-up specific queries while allowing other users avoid answering the same questions time and time again. Just a suggestion.
If any of the content below has been posted already (and I know some of it has) – please accept my apologies in advance; just posting for my own records as much as anyone else. Still jet-lagged and attempting a world record for longest a person has gone without sleep before hallucinating. 😉
😮 Bernard Crowley & Gerard Paul have been greenlit to develop 49 new apartment units over a 6-storey building designed by Dennehy + Dennehy Designs. An Bord Pleanala cleared the revised scheme (with conditions) set for the former Riverside Farm site along the Model Farm Road opposite the recently redeveloped Tennis Village complex (now Eden Hall). As part of the scheme the developers will be obliged to make realignments to the what is currently a dangerous bend on the heavily trafficked roadway – thus providing a safer routeway for pedestrians and motorists alike. Additional details on this scheme may be found in earlier posts.
😎 Frinailla’s plans to develop 96 residential units and a creche over basement car-parking for the former Keating’s Bakery site along the Tramore Road have seen Further Information requested of them. The scheme provides a mix of couple and family units between 1 and 5-storeys designed by Kiosk Architects.– meanwhile the other Frinailla/Kiosk Architects collaboration at CitySquare along the Watercourse Road in Blackpool is now watched over by a 2nd John Paul Construction tower crane. Interestingly is the banner which hangs for the new tower crane displaying the new Frinailla logo in place of the usual John Paul Construction symbol.
😮 Billy and Ciaran O’Riordan, proprietors of the Millfield Service Station, have enlisted James Leahy & Associates to design their recently lodged scheme of 54 mixed apartments and seperate office block over basement car-parking and including all associated ancillary amenity areas along the Redforge Road located petrol station in Blackpool. The project will be divided over 2 blocks rising to 6/7-storeys. The scheme should help build on this fast emerging area currently anchored by the Shipton Group’s Blackpool Park scheme.
😮 Much anticipation has pent up regarding Rockfell Investments’ Cornmarket Street scheme, however, a positive progression has been made today as William O’Brien Crane Hire were in action over the large site today erecting the first-section of a tower crane on behalf of Munster Joinery. Meanwhile, further progress is in swing along this prime potential street with Cork City Council having tendered for architectural and engineering design concerns regarding the street’s rejuvenation as previously posted.
What I find appealing is the developer’s ambition to develop a cluster, defined by 1 or 2 particularly striking towers, rather than another one-off “landmark” tower, this type of provision is too casually mooted about and often fail to exemplify an effective landmark structure. Indeed, I have generally championed the idea of clustered high-rise in regions which are of a suitable and developing nature (i.e. docklands) so that they’re character may be enhanced in line with the surrounding formats and contemporary natures. One-off towers must effectively prove their realisation as landmarks or gateways. I think de Blacam Meagher have done well on the design front – the location is clearly going to be the subject of debate.
Should have a few bits and bobs soon – away for a wee while although I’m sure if the weather isn’t pretty I may pop back on.
Cork City Council’s CPO of the Showgrounds lease is an interesting one. It seems Fleming Construction (among others) may not be as lucky as they wished with this prime site. But time is a funny thing.
😮 The much needed and highly anticipated renewal of Cornmarket Street as a primary extension of the retail/commercial core took a step closer to realisation today as Cork City Council have officially opened tenders on the provision of professional Architectural/Engineering services related to the design and implementation of the vital scheme.
The tender abstract reads:
Design Services for the development of an urban design for Cornmarket Street, Cork, including an implementation strategy and detailed design of pavements, lighting, street furniture, landscaping and other features.Cornmarket Street is a mixed use market Street in the centre of the compact commercial core of Cork City. It is situated between the old Historic Centre and the main commercial centre and is located on the island formed by the north and south channels of the river Lee. This street historically and to this present day caters for small independent on-street traders mixed with well established business premises. The Street is currently the focus for an expansion of the central shopping area and has a long tradition of a street market cooexisting with other uses.
The deadline for application is July 7th 2006 – it opens up the prospect for engagement and accommodation in creating a unique and distinctive streetscape for what will be a core commercial area in Ireland’s second city.
Already signs of renewal are in place with the redevelopment of the Guy & Co. site steadily (very steadily) proceeding at the hands of Rockfell Investments (designed by Frank Ennis & Associates) and which will realise over 120,000sq ft of retail space with 65 overhead apartments.
The acquisition of premises currently housing The Loft Furniture Store and The Coal Quay (i.e. the former City Market) by supposedly Joe O’Donovan also open the prospect of further higher-order retail development – however any development here will have to the pay the utmost respect to the truly beautiful Cornmarket Street facade. Also, the recent purchase of the 0.5acre site at Kyrl’s Quay by Murrayforde Developments (the RH Parker site) and advent of Cork City Council’s sale of the “Phillips” site fronting Kyrl’s Quay sets options on further retail and mixed-use accommodation in motion.
A currently vacant site between the former City Market building and the Paintwell Building (beside the Bodega Bar) is another location ripe for development – the in-fill nature of such a project offers a substantial planning gain to the street, but should be provided with the retention and provision of improved public walkway/connections to North Main Street. A complimentary development site exists just off Cornmarket Street at Dalton’s Avenue with the presence of a Floral Distribution warehouse. Smart minds interested in this site will be sure to develop this location with consideration to the access point on the lane to the Cornmarket Street development by Rockfell Investments, therefore opening to pedestrian traffic through the scheme. An enhancement of Dalton’s Avenue should be high on the Cork City Council agenda – allowing an improved realm for residents of the beautiful Corporation Houses (which should continue to form a pivotal sense of this area’s character) and allowing the area become more attractive to pedestrians.
I have to say from the little I’ve seen, it does look pretty impressive. I would like to see a few more montages from various angles – but the taller, hotel structure (Block J) is pretty striking, in a good way. I will reserve final judgement until I see a few more images.
😮 Two Cork projects received awards at the RIAI’s 2006 Irish Architecture Awards at a ceremony in Dublin City Council’s Civic Offices held last night (Wednesday, 7th June 2006).
The Best Conservation/Restoration Project Award was bestowed on Jack Coughlan Associates for their work on the Lifetime Lab project along the Lee Road:
The Lifetime Lab project was initiated by Cork City Council on the site of the old Lee Road Waterworks and is described as being a mix inclusive of a“modern interactive exhibition centre, themed playground – all within beautifully restored buildings and equipment with scenic views over the River Lee.
The old Cork City Waterworks was responsible for supplying water to the city of Cork over the past 3 centuries. The Waterworks is the best-preserved of its kind in Ireland. The old buildings and machinery have been carefully restored and are now being used to tell the story of how water was supplied to Cork City in the past.
The other Cork winner was Reddy O’Riordan Staehli Architects for their work on the new Maternity Wing at Cork University Hospital.
Aer Lingus Announce 3 New RoutesAer Lingus are to add yet again to their successful Continental European network from Cork following what the company describes as overwhelming demand and interest.
Flights to Lanzarote (twice weekly), Madrid and Prague (both 3 times weekly) will commence operation in October following the basing of a further Airbus A320 at Cork Airport. The Prague flight is aimed notably in competition with the popular route already provided 6 times weekly by CSA Czech Airlines.
Summer services from Cork to Berlin, Birmingham, Tenerife and Faro will now also operate year-round following their success.
kite – I believe that’s the O’Brien family at work in Victoria Cross.@jdivision wrote:
Lex and others have pointed out many of the reasons why vacancy levels have risen on the street but to my mind there remains another issue. Many of the units on Patrick St are no longer suitable for international retailers and the city council will have to begin to address this, be it through encouraging an amalgamation of the shops (such as in the O’Donovan scheme) or else recognising that the street needs to move in a new direction – such as indigenous boutiques or something similar. Whether they could ever afford the rent is something else!
That is undoubtedly a major factor – the fact is the footprint of the stores on offer sometimes do not justify the per sq ft rent demands. Moreover, international retaillers generally seek larger, open-plan spaces which allow them greater flexibility and enhanced trading capacity. It is that sort of thinking that has fuelled the layout of retail units forming part of O’Callaghan Properties’ Saint Patrick’s Street (Academy Street) development.
jungle – indeed you are correct, I was perhaps hinting more along the lines of rail in a people-rather-than-freight capacity. By access to the Port I suppose I was referring to generally linkage with the facility whether employee, visitors etc etc. Apologies if I structured my words poorly. 😮@damnedarchitect wrote:
Lex – do you know where the 51 story building is in that render?
Everything looks lowrise there.
That image posted is taken from the original masterplan – prior to the successful tenders by Manor Park Homebuilders and P. Elliot & Co. Ltd – designed by O’Mahony Pike Architects and McCullough Mulvin Architects. It does not relate to the forthcoming application.
Here’s another image giving perspective of both sites.
Manor Park’s application concerns the southern site (one to the right).
😎 Werdna Limited has submitted an Environmental Impact Study to An Bord Pleanala regarding its much delayed Water Street project. Murray O’Laoire Architects are handling the design of the proposal which is now not formally scheduled for decision until September 2006. The revised scheme has been watered down (no pun intended here either) to a proposal half of its original conception – the project now encompasses 231 residential units, of which 12 are terraced houses. Basement parking has been cut to 399 spaces over 2 decks the 3 western finger blocks now peak at 7-storeys and the eastern section now includes a significantly reduced 9-storey block, now reoriented east-to-west. Given that originally this scheme was proposed as an attractive 500 unit (approx.) development with landmark 26-storey tower, reached planning at 19-storeys and 400 units, was revised to 304 units with 17-storey tower and has now reached a meek (by comparison) 231 units with 9-storey “tower”, it makes one think about the nature of our planning system.
😮 Alchemy Properties, the property development wing of Dairygold, is scheduled for a decision today (7th June 2006) on its application to demolish, clear and being preparatory works on its prime 8-acre site along the Kinsale Road. The former-CMP Dairies site, which ceased bottled production in 2001 and gradually closed its doors in recent times, is now being assessed by Alchemy Properties for a large-scale mixed development which has been the subject of discussion with Cork City Council planners. Approximately 1.5km for Cork city centre, the site is located within a stone’s throw of 2 major Cork infastructural provisions – the South City Link Road and South Ring Road. It is also within easy access of Cork International Airport, the Black Ash Park & Ride and is directly across the road from Musgrave Park.Alchemy, led by Dairygold director Michael Hogan, envision a landmark scheme of apartments, commercial and retail units and hotel/leisure uses with a strong emphasis on design. The site, speculatively, even has capacity for taller structures of up to 7 or 8-storeys, on its south/south-eastern areas. A formal application on the site is expected to be made before the year-end.
@Micko wrote:
Lex, what’s the liklihood of all these line extnesions and reopenig ever happening.
I’d imagine that there would be big problems with a Fermoy line as no previous line has ever existed. IIRC the Fermoy line came from Mallow.
Quite frankly, I don’t really know. I think it will happen down the line (no pun intended) but its more a case of when. The fact is that the CASP and to a lesser extent LUTS strategies have laid the foundation for Cork city and county’s development with the city at the region’s core and the development of larger commuter towns satellite to the city at locations like Midleton, Monard, Carrigaline, Ballincollig (which is arguably a suburb at this stage) and so on. As these towns grow, the capacity of infastructure and consequently management capacity of commuter and domestic traffic will become excessively strained. This is evidently the case as it is. Although plans like the Cork City Development Plan 2004 did not specify the provision of an integrated light-rail network – its something quite evident in the minds of planners, essentially both Cork City Council and Cork County Council know its something the needs to be catered for as more roads are not the solution.
I think strong cases can be made for all such light-rail commuter links – particularly however the Carrigaline/Ringaskiddy line. I think you’ll find the likes of the Port of Cork will champion such proposals – anything which will aid access and capacity to their new facilities at Ringaskiddy. Commuter wise, Carrigaline makes its own case. I think it will be important to develop any such line with strategic consideration for areas like the South Docklands, Mahon Point and Douglas.
Macroom-Ballincollig-Bandon Roundabout-Bishopstown-Docklands represents another strong case for light-rail provision.
The councils are aware of the need, as par their plans posted – the issue now is sanctioning swift strategy for attaining them. I don’t believe any significantly appropriate lobby for such proposals has been enacted. Which is a shame – we all know how long it takes any proposal like this to get moving outside of Dublin, our public bodies such be pushing for this now and forcefully so if we are to even see a glimpse of movement in the future.
@kite wrote:
@daniel_7 wrote:
does anyone know what the hold up with the new schuh store on patrick st is and in general the vacent premises on patrick st?
😮
Vacancy levels on Patrick St. are up 23% since April 2005 according to the Cork Economic Monitor published by CCC May 2006. Very disappointing news indeed.The figure is distorted given a number of properties have been acquired as part of site assemblies (eg. Academy Street, Market Lane schemes) or organisational restructuring/consolidation (e.g. AIB, O2, Carphone Warehouse, Vodafone etc).
Schuh will commence works in the not too distant future; the former O2 store near the Savoy is under Final Offer; units fronting Patrick’s Street (former Ryan’s Pharmacy) was acquired by O’Callaghan Properties for their Saint Patrick’s Street/Academy Street scheme; 55, 56 & 57 St. Patrick’s Street were acquired for Joe O’Donovan’s scheme – and are seeking short-term leases, however thats a tough trough to fill given most parties interested would be seeking longer term occupancies. To my mind, the former Bennetton/Diesel store near the Victoria Hotel is vacant – not wholly clear on its future.
