lexington
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I don’t remember starting this thread – the first post is a reply to one of Boyler’s posts.
Anyhow, I think some of the sentiment expressed in this thread so far is not a good place to be in. I am most disappointed by one particular comment, as I hold a high opinion of the poster. I entirely accept the heavy developer content of the LADSOCL thread and I’m afraid I don’t accept the logic used to dispute against it. The thread is open to all and to all opinions. For example, snoopdog recently argued against the opinions of those expressed on the thread regarding a development, and I was delighted to see the contrast. Of course I’ll argue my position, but that’s good debate. As far as I’m concerned, and I have consistently expressed this, development must be
a.) sustainable
b.) aesthetically complimentary
c.) progressiveI have ALWAYS expressed the need for good design, and often, we don’t get it – but when we do, it should be recognised. Architecture is the language that defines urban spaces – good and/or bad. Development is the vessel which speaks this language. Like any language, sometimes it is ill-spoken, other times its is graceful. My support for certain developments is incorporated into a bigger picture for an area or plot. Critiques against say, as Devin pointed out, 21 Lavitts Quay, cannot be made with considering the following:
a.) what stood there before?
b.) how does it fit into the strategic vision of the area?
c.) what is the bigger picture/strategic vision?
d.) what is being lost/gained?If those 4 questions can be answered by its critics, I accept.
Oddly, much of what was crtiqued before or at proposal (City Quarter for example) is now praised by its once critics – note the http://www.corksouthwest.com website’s comments on CQ – then contrast those comments of the CSD members at the time of proposal.
The thread (noe I) also does/do NOT endorse EVERY development – please review its posts. On many occassions conditions of grant or refusal has been praised (i.e. Grangefield’s Arbutus Lodge development; Mark Kelleher’s conditioning re: resident objection on balconies; the original Mannix proposal; BrideView’s LakeView development; Ruden Homes’ Lenagh More development; SHUL’s Tellenganna Lodge development etc etc). It’s not all pro pro pro. But it does stress that developments as well as objections must be scrutinised/well-informed before submitted. It can’t all be one-sided. Besides my odd banter, more and more (I from my stance) have tried to reduced ‘opinion’ and keep it more of a sort of ‘reporting’ style posts – simply to inform. But opinion is opinion and as has been expressed here by many, each individual is entitled to it.
Furthermore, the thread, is always open to input – if one element is less successful over another – that is the responsibility of those involved – not the collective. I have, for example, attempted to set up other threads such as ‘Interesting Lesser Knowns’ to balance and embrace the existing nature and designs of buildings throughout Cork (from all walks of life) and, with Thomond Park, a thread on the Footbridges of Cork to assess that side of architecture. This was to show input into these fields and perhaps provide balance to the LADSOCL thread.
However, I am glad that this thread has been appointed, because the opportunity should now be utilised to continue embracing this aspect of architecture in the city. There is a rich mix and it should be recognised. I’m glad Devin has provided such a great post and I would hope, from my perspective, others (myself included) could continue this quality standard. LADSOCL is not the ONLY Cork-thread, so I suppose it should not be referred to as, ‘the Cork thread’. Many others have provided wonderful threads around various aspects of the city and county and this should be recognised. I don’t see why both sides of the coin (as pier39 above puts it, cannot be embraced. As I said, both sides affect the architecture and nature of the city – and both need to be addressed.
I should hope that this thread doesn’t become a spat ground and we can continue to move with the good foundations laid by it already.
And as by way of interest, the Buckley Bros. facade is be remodelled by proprietor Edward Moriarty, which is a great shame. I had been hoping it would rather be refurbished.As for the facades on Parnell Place, both are protected but have been inexcusablly allowed to decay by both the site owners and by Cork City Council. Plans are in planning to refurbished these facades to their former glory as a front for a very tasteful hotel, as the site behind them is nothing more than vacant space and any further delays may see the facades lost for good.
of course 14th of June = planning date for Patricks Quay
any news on the everyman palace and their plans for the quay?
any decision date expected on Eglinton Street?
Thanks as always
Re: Announcement – I was prematurely informed that Paul Kenny’s RC development was to get the greenlight last night and withdrew the post lest it be found to be inaccurate.
I have since heard little of it, but I believe, from the last that I heard – the application was looking positive. I will have confirmation of that tomorrow morning (I had expected the info today).
-> Since last I heard (2 months ago), plans concerning a development for St. Patrick’s Quay, to the rear of the Everyman Palace, had been stalled. I believe it was regarding the lands, but I am honestly not sure. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.
-> Eglinton Street is not scheduled for a decision until the 7th of July 2005.
kite , the only media reference to CHQ that I’m aware of was in the Irish Examiner some weeks back. OCP had been in preplanning discussions about a ‘landmark’ development on the site. Information suggests that the site was sold (under what basis = ?) between 6 and 7m euros, with one gentleman involved quoting around 6.75m euros. I currently do not have any info on what stage the project is at in terms of a plan announcement, however, it is said that they are to be revealed within the prospective future. I will not be posting anymore info in this project until I can confirm all the necessary details regarding the site/development – in the interests of accuracy.🙂 Lidl GmbH has gone in for a 3rd time with an application to develop a store in the Churchfield area of Cork. The plan, for Mount Agnes Road will incorporate a single storey discount foodstore and a further 2-storey building containing 5 community units and associated car-parking. Third time lucky for Lidl?
No mickeydocs , had the post up last night but I’ll have it up again soon. Fingers crossed!Developer and Auctioneer Joe Carey has donated 10,000euros to the prize fund to design a new redevelopment of Cork City Library. An international architectural competition to provide a landmark new design for an enlarged library premises (up to 4,700sq m of space) was launched earlier this year by CCC. A decision on the new design is due for September.
😮 The Reliance Building at 10/11 Andersons Quay has been receiving some interesting glances since its placement on the market back in late May. Reliance will be relocating to new purpose built premises in the near future, allowing them provide this attractive city centre site for a potential large-scale redevelopment. Hamilton Osbourne King have received approx. 10 legitimate offers for the 0.4 acre site, which is guiding in and around 5m euros. Among the bidders, it is believed that interest has been expressed by a Dublin-based group (who have been actively looking for a prime city centre/docklands site in Cork for at least 3 months), supposedly businessman Tommy Maher (who co-owns the adjoining Mahers Sports premises) and another prominent Cork developer (generally associated with residential developments).
The Maher bid would make sense as it would allow any development there take full scope of the waterfront quayside and allow for a more substantial and prominent development.
The location is in an area of prime development and situated to the rear of Howard Holdings’ City Quarter development and OFC’s No.5/6 Lapps Quay development. Also, across the road, DAT Partnerships are in planning for a 30,000sq ft, 9-storey landmark office building designed by Coughlan de Keyser (on Clontarf Street); Paul Kenny awaits a decision on his proposal for the new 127,000sq ft Revenue Commissioners offices this coming Tuesday 14th June 2005 on St. Patrick’s Quay (opposite the Reliance Building); OCP have plans on Custom House Quay’s PoC warehousing which they successfully purchased 2 months ago for over 6.75m euros. Also, there are further plans earmarked for nearby Parnell Place, which will also see a new 121-bedroom hotel on the now famous Corbett site (application in planning). Also not far away, Frank Doyle’s 20,000sq ft warehouse sold not so long ago for a final price tipping on 8m euros!!! The successful purchaser is apparently in discussions with the adjoining Twill Ltd warehousing (???).
Whoever the Reliance Building goes to, any future development at this site will be at the epicentre of a rejuvenated city quarter. Pressure will be on the developer to provide a development equal or higher in design quality to that of its neighbours and prospective neighbours.
😮 Manor Park Homes plans for Horgan’s Quay are gearing up for planning. It is expected, though yet to be confirmed by CIE or MPH, that the application will be lodged either in sync or in relatively close time proximity so as to allow the developments emerge together. I hope to have some details on the contents of the planning application within the coming weeks.
@Thomond Park wrote:
I was wondering who Dr Lewis Glucksman was as it isn’t exactly a Cork name,
So it would appear that the chair of the Cork University Foundation put the funding together very well, interestingly his Wife Loretta Brennan is the current chair of the American Ireland Fund.She is also part of the Cork Airport Authority Board and in prime negotiations with (now) 3 US airlines about commencing scheduled Cork – USA transatlantic services. They include American Airlines, Continental and US Airways.
Mr. Glucksman also made sizeable donations in the funding of UCC’s O’Rahilly Building (Phase 2). Hence the honourary name bestowed on the Gallery.
@ewankennedy wrote:
Also…just out of pure curiosity Lex are der any Uk architecture firms youd like to see design buildings in Cork? I only ask cos I’ve been compiling info on international firms who have operated in Ireland and now I’m doing the Uk so I was wondering what firms if you had a choice would you like to see in Corks redevelopment??? 🙂
I think I may have remarked on some of the architectural firms I like in Cork/Ireland – I may update that list soon – but as for the UK?
There are a number of UK-based firms I find most interesting. The abundance of practices based across the Channel are far to numerous to be familiar in their numerical entirety – however one firm I would very much like to see employed, perhaps in a landmark docklands development, simply based on their design history is EPR Architects. If it was my choice, EPR mixed with Antonio Gaudi would probably produce my kind of project :p .
Obviously Foster & Partners (on occasion – as far as I’m concerned, Foster comes out with either a gem [Swiss Re Building] or a dodgy affair [eg. Scottish Gas HQ]), Niall McLaughlin (sometimes) and a few of the other noteworthy names are also of interest – but EPR are probably one of the lesser recognised, but equally dynamic practices based in the UK. However, I do believe it would be up to the developer to ask the firm to push themselves when it comes to design. M3 Architects are another interesting bunch – vehemently modern however.
Below are images of an interesting EPR project at Cardinal Place in London. Probably not everyone’s taste – but at least its willing to explore options beyond the standard 90 degrees.
I like the extensive and eco-friendly use of greenery – fully-fledged gardens are actually incorporated into office and retails spaces. Some of EPR’s residential stuff is a lot less worth raving about however.
EPR Architects]Foster & Partners[/URL]; M3 Architects
Interesting that you should ask that ewankennedy – however, I do believe Ireland and Cork has quite a lot of talent on its own when given the right push and the freedom to do so. Recent flairs by Coughlan de Keyser, Wilson Architecture and Patrick A. Cashman & Associates have shown that for example. But I believe we should still keep pushing the architectural boundaries – especially in Cork now that we have the opportunity to do so, and in many cases, developers with the money to provide such. Clontarf Street perhaps provides one of the most interesting forms – however I would like to see us keep pushing more and more and improve on each proposal. There will always be a few blue notes it would seem – i.e. the Capitol, Victoria Mills etc – but the trick is to outnumber x with y. EPR may be interesting, but their architecture is still not near where I would ultimately like to see our Cork’s future buildings going – that is why I noted EPR blended with Gaudi as an example. Detail and art to architecture. Colour, shape, curve and beauty. I think with the right encouragement, guidance and allowance – our own architects may be able to achieve this.
I think you’ll be happy with the end product RM – you can sigh relief. The 1st image shows part of the revised proposal which was greenlit – including the tasty curve-linear copper canopy and link to the Noddys building across Little Market Street. It’s a good project.
@phil wrote:
Lexington, from your top sort of happy face and your bottom unhappy face, it is hard to make out what your thoughts are on this development. Is it that you favour the top and dislike the bottom part of it?
Edited:
Your editing of your original post further confuses the question!😀 Sorry phil – thought I’d solve the problem by fixing the smile-face but instead it would seem I just made it worse.
I suppose my feelings regarding the BrideView development are not feelings of overall favour. I have a ‘thing’ against developing estate lands for more boring old housing patterns. In this case Lakeview House/Estate, and the same too goes for Dunkettle House and Tellengana Lodge. I think we should preserve these fine lands and manors for recreational or single-occupany use (the way they were intended) rather than redevelop them into another housing estate. I suppose they’re just so darn attractive to build on from a development perspective – but its just a personal preference. There’s plenty of other vacant land for that sort of development but only a finite few estates such as the aforementioned still in their original state.
🙁 Declan O’Mahony’s BrideView Developments are to lodge an application soon with CorkCoCo for the development of 429 residential units at a 26-acre site in Castleredmond, Midelton which they purchased last year for 19m euros. The site includes the historic Lakeview House. BrideView’s plans envisage an arrangement of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses and apartments – consistent of 101 dwelling-houses and 328 apartments in a building between 1 and 5-storeys in height. As part of the development, a 3-storey 24-bed nursing home will be constructed, 2 tennis courts, a football pitch and outdoor games facility. Design is by O’Mahony Pike. Hmmm.
😎 John Keating is set to apply to CCC to develop a residential development at the former Keating Bakery along the Tramore Road. The development will consist of 40 2-bedroom apartments over a 60-space basement car-park along with 4 individual blocks home to 16 2-bedroom ‘garden apartments’, 16 3-bedroom duplexes and associated landscaping.
The Changing Face of Cork’s Quaysides
With the completion of No.6 Lapps Quay imminent, Cork’s quaysides are making a gradual, attractive change for the better. Prospective projects by OFC at Eglinton Street and Albert Quay, as well as Howard Holdings on Albert Quay (the WebWorks – under construction) will help complement the new structures pictured below across the river on Lapps Quay. DAT Partnerships plan for Clontarf Street should help provide a nice little addition to this emerging business district, planning pending. Also speculative projects by OCP at Custom House Quay and a possible development on the sprawling Careys Tool Hire premises will help ensure that this area of the city is not only among the newest, but also, the most attractive.
Mahon PointI received some info today regarding Mahon Point S.C. from a individual following an e-mailled enquiry. Anytime I’ve visit Mahon Point S.C. recently, it’s never seemed as busy as one would expect – I acounted this to some of my visiting times (such as Monday noon), however, after sussing out details it would seem the feelings of tenant retaillers are decidely mixed.
Omniplex – the Ward Anderson 13-screen multiplex – have reported positive trading results and seem most satisfied with their level of business. Similarly, Gasoline Jeanswear, Jack & Jones, Easons, Bershka and most of the food outlets have all reported positive results. According to one source, Debenhams (the anchor department store) have exceeded the turnover projections for the first 4-months of trading by an apparent, but questionable, 3m euros. Tesco, the supermarket anchor, claim business has steadied after stormy start. However, many other retaillers claim that the centre has not reached their expectations in trading – Lacoste (who, one source claims are actively seeking a city centre location(?)), Best Menswear, Ecco, Barratts and Adams all reporting so-so levels of trade.
Funnily enough, despite retailler claims to the contrary, pedestrian movements within the city centre have grown 9.8% on the same time last year with many businesses reporting healthy and/or above average trading levels. Even stranger, suburban shopping centres such as Douglas Court, Wilton S.C. and Blackpool S.C. have reported no major declinations in business since the opening of Mahon Point (with the exception of minor dips in the centre’s first few weeks of operations).
It would seem that MP’s apparent woes are based on a number of issues including:
a.) the traffic congestion consequent of the MP and Jacob’s Island developments would seem to have been turning persons away from venturing to the centre.
b.) the lack of an adequate public transport service to the centre.
c.) the mix of retaillers is very much geared toward female tastes – which has turned-off many higher-spending males. With exception of suit stores like Best and Suits You, the established male fashion retaillers have been trading well.
MP, after an initial burst of curiousity by the public, would now seem to be trying to find its ‘niche’. Whereas Douglas, Wilton and Blackpool shopping centres are established community convenient centres (albeit higher-order ones), MP surroundings don’t immediately compliment the development given the tenant mix. However, it is expected that over the coming months, MP will settle into its nest and trade should even out – especially with the many impending residential and office developments in the area (such as Jacob’s Island, Dunkettle and the Coleman Brothers development nearby) coming on stream – visitation levels should increase to meet projected 140,000 movements per week (currently the figure is believed to be in and around 90,000).
It would seem, for all the huff and puff, the city centre has come out trumps again – with more people than ever still opting for a day along Patrick’s Street than a trek to Mahon. It is my own belief that the Academy Street retail development will more likely provide a greater success story than that of MP. Retail is booming in Cork, but it’s crown jewels are still at its centre. The large retail developments gearing up at Cornmarket Street, Grand Parade and Grand Parade Plaza can keep licking their lips.
Some of the opinions on that website are just riding the populist fear-factor all the way to election. It’s a pity – but these tactics simply compound the uninformed or short-sighted minds of some.
My disdain for Victoria Mills is well documented but I don’t believe this should be used as a sole cause and justification for anyone to condemn high-rise. I can’t think of one city that hasn’t endured similar architectural disappointments. Lessons should be learned. It stands to be said that the genuine high-rise projects presented to Cork of late, have been generally very positive (I cite Eglinton Street and Water Street in this circumstance) and that should also be recognised. Dave McCarthy’s proposal is simply a tip to his constituents – its popular and we should remember, Dave is ‘the people’s man’ according to the June 11th 2004 run-up. A move such as a ban on highrise is not in the interests of sustainable and logical urban development – is the alternative no countryside lined with linear blocks of boring house after house? Not everyone has the budget to afford a Gaudi-esque mansion. In places like Bishopstown, 3-storeys is cited as highrise (ridiculously!) – this logic is fecious. Were it to be implemented into policy – it would seem extended logic to demolish the hundreds of 3-storey homes in the area, Cork University Hospital (except the A&E and morturary), plans for Wilton S.C., some of CIT and countless other elements. As much as I criticise and disagree with our city’s planners, I don’t believe they are ill-cognitive to adhere to such ideas – they have a great deal more information that many of those that call for such policy.
The End.
(P.S. The supposed rendition of Jurys is laughable to those in the know – but it sends a very wrong and unfair message to those who base judgement on such graphics. In this sense, such propaganda is no laughing matter.)
*UPDATES*
🙂 Work is beginning, as previously reported it would be, a few weeks back, on Rockfell Investments (Michael O’Donoghue) 58m euro Cornmarket Street development. The project designed by Niall Coffey of Frank Ennis & Associates will house 9 retail units over 170,000sq ft, 65 apartments and 66 basement car-parking spaces. The plan will revitalise this area of the city and heed the way for CCC’s 5m euro redevelopment of the long-neglected street. This development is an important steeping stone in the extension of Cork’s Core Retail Area – wingining north from Daunt Square/Patrick’s Street. Primary construction is set to begin after a number of site assessments (as part of the grant conditions) – I am informed that this is not expected to take a considerable length of time. Demolition work is well advanced with large majorities of the site to the rear of the Musgrave Building now removed and scaffolding now being erected on the facades of adjoining buildings scheduled for demolition as part of the development. The site had once been earmarked by Michael O’Donoghue for a 9-storey, 400-bedroom hotel – however this was refused on appeal, despite a CCC grant. Construction is set to take 18 months. The retail mall has received extensive interest with Habitat set to occupy a prime unit. More info and new images soon.
2nd image = An original design on the development before significant improvements.
@Radioactiveman wrote:
I note with a smile that a work crew is on site at Cornmarket Street (The Coal Quay) erecting a considerable amount of scaffolding on buildings adjacent to the Guys building- presumably paving the way for work to get going there soon.
Does anyone have a pic of what this development will look like when its done?
As noted by sw101 above, Tommy Barker has an article in today’s examiner relating to impending movement of the Revenue Commisioners and Paul Kenny’s € 100 million office development on St. PAtrick’s Quay. This 156,000 sq ft building is designed by Wilson Architecture and judging by the “exclusive” pictures on todays examiner they did a mighty fine job. Interior image is particularly nice, giving a fine view of the proposed curved front elevation.In his article, Barker noted that six sites were in the running for the RC deal. He mentioned one on Watercourse Road. Any ideas what site he’s talking about?
Re: Cornmarket Street – see above.
As for the Watercourse Road, it’s a development of 85,000sq ft of office space by Joe Carey and Frank Sheahan. The developers have planning but no progress on the site.
I can tell you, and you can take my word for it, that 3 locations have been unoffically short-listed by the OPW with a decision due in the not too distant future. The Kenny development is on the 3.
🙁 Anna O’Connor’s residential development destined for the derelict warehousing site at the corner of York Hill and Wellington Road has again been refused at the hands of CCC Planner Noel Riordan, despite substantial revisions to this her latest application. The refusal relate to issues of design, suitability and height. The four-storey development was submitted consequent of a prior refusal for a larger development of 6-storeys and 24-residential units, plus 80sq m of office space and basement car-park. MV Cullinan were architects.
– More updates soon.
@indubitably wrote:
The city manager is expecting an application from MPH for the 5,000 seater event centre and one would have thought that if he expects it, the likelihood is that it will come.
Breathe easy on this one for a while – but you can be sure, an event centre is on the way. ]RM[/B] mentioned that already.
😉 Custom House Quay news on the way soon…also…MPH plans for Horgan’s Quay – more details within the coming weeks.
@Leesider wrote:Just wondering about a few proposed developments I haven’t heard much about recently.
First one up is The Showgrounds, has there been any movement on who is eventually going to acquire this and when? I presume the GAA are the frontrunners here, something badly needs to be done with Pairc Ui Chaoimh, it is looking very rundown!
There are 2, possibly 3 projects here – however, it is my understanding that the GAA are NOT the forerunners for the Munster Agricultural Showgrounds. As for the GAA, they do have plans – early reports indicated a pitch realignment and rejuvenated stands with a hotel etc – but I haven’t heard much on them lately (thats the possible 3rd). Another plan for a site near the MAS is proceeding well – however a planning date is not yet known.
@Leesider wrote:
Next up, is the private hospital going ahead on the Bandon Rd, heard reports a while back it was going in for planning but nothing since, any info??
The application is still in planning with CorkCoCo.
@Leesider wrote:
Water St., what is the current situation?? Has an appeal been put in to reinstate the original tower element??
The appeal is not long lodged and I haven’t heard anything as of yet back on how planners are viewing it. It’s too early to tell.
jungle – planning is on that Tower Street site for housing.
More details and updates later.:confused: Ann O’Donovan has withdrawn her application to develop 25 apartments and a gym over basement car-park at a site along Cotter Street, between Copley Hall and South Terrace. The vacant lot was set to be developed into a new residential development, however, on-going talks with CCC have seen Ms. O’Donovan withdraw her proposal for revisions rather than face refusal.
😮 Meanwhile, Anna O’Connor (based at Sandymount in Dublin) awaits a decision on her York Hill/Wellington Road apartment development – her 3rd attempt – this Thursday. MV Cullinan are the architects – earlier this year, Ms. O’Connor’s plans for a 6-storey residential development with offices and open courtyard above a basement car-park for the same site were refused.
🙂 Paul Kenny’s plans for the redevelop of his St. Patrick’s Quay car-park and surrounding buildings are due a decision on the 14th of June 2005 – the landmark building of 127,000sq ft of offices dedicated for the Revenue Commissioners relocation, designed by Wilson Architecture – is looking generally positive despite 3 objections for An Taisce, the McLaughlin Family and Bell Scott Engineering (both of whom have businesses located on Ship Street adjoining the development).
🙂 John Cleary Developments has been greenlit on its second-attempt to develop a new industrial park at its lands in Kilnap, adjacent to its existing North Point Business Park development. The original development for a series of individual industrial units was refused earlier this year – the revised application sought to incorpoarate 17 units within a single 3-storey structure. The development stands to create up to 300 new jobs in the area. (See prev. associated post for further details).Just some brief details on the MPH development – I was given a very sparse e-mail today noting that an application was ideally scheduled anytime within the next month to month and a half (?). Residential unit numbers will not accommodate the media speculated 5000 mark, but will equal a more conservative figure which will be spread out over a number of phases (under 2000 max.) – with completion of all these phases scheduled (planning pending) for late 2010. Heights discussed with CCC call for a general level between 6 and 8-storeys, with elements rising higher in specific areas (deemed worthy for such). The e-mail also indicated that we can expect many an objection!!! I’ll let you know more when I can.
I’ve been pretty busy lately – a number of things are rolling at the moment and I hope to fill you in on them soon. One may, MAY be touched on tomorrow but I’ve no idea whether its for sure yet.
Cullen announces major redevelopment of Horgan’s Quay Cork
7 June 2005
Minister welcomes upgrade of Cork’s Kent StationThe Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen T.D. today (7 June 2005) welcomed the decision of the Board of CIE to give the go-ahead to the commercial development of the Company’s 17-acre site at Horgan’s Quay in Cork City. The development is estimated to be valued in the region of €500m.
Minister Cullen announced the decision on a visit to Cork where he was joined by the Chairman of CIE, Dr John Lynch. The Minister also announced an upgrade of Kent Station in Cork City and that as part of the Horgan’s Quay development, a new Bus Eireann bus station will also be built, thereby providing an integrated travel centre for public transport users in the City.
The Horgan’s Quay development will be a 17-acre mixed use development, covering residential and commercial and represents a significant step in the on-going regeneration of the city centre in Cork. CIE Board has selected Manor Park Homes at the developer for the project. An application for planning will now proceed.
He said: “This is a hugely significant announcement for Cork City. The CIE board has demonstrated vision and ambition with the development of its lands on Horgan’s Quay. A regeneration of this scale will transform the area and bring to life a prime location in the City. It will be a significant contribution to the on-going transformation of Cork City into a modern 21st century European city.”
In tandem with the development of Horgan’s Quay, the Minister welcomed the decision by CIE to significantly upgrade Kent Station. Irish Rail plans the reorientation of Kent Station away from the current entrance on Glanmire Road to a new entrance facing the new development on Horgan’s Quay and the city centre. The Minister said the upgrade will deliver improved access to the city centre and a strong integration of rail and bus services.
A facility of 3,000 square metres is planned at Kent Station, comparable in size to the main Heuston Station in Dublin. The customer facilities will include:
New ticket sales office;
New left luggage area;
New toilet facilities;
Improved passenger concourse;
Mobility impaired facilities
Improved retail facilities
Minister Cullen said that Government rail investment in Cork will result in real benefits to the travelling public. “Quality, comfort and frequency of service will be improved. For every cent invested by Government, existing customers will benefit and passenger numbers can grow,” he said.
In addition to Horgan’s Quay and Kent Station, other rail investment in Cork includes the re-opening of the Cork to Midleton line costing approximately €100m. The re-opening of the Cork to Midleton line will include new stations at Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Dunkettle, Kilbarry and Blarney. Irish Rail intends to apply for a Rail Works Order, the first step in the project, later this year.
In addition, 67 new intercity carriages are already on order at a cost of nearly €120million. These new carriages will operate services between Kent Station and Heuston and will enable Iarnrod Eireann to give customers an hourly service in each direction with quality, comfort and journey time improvements.
The delivery of the first of these carriages to Irish Rail from the manufacturer is expected in 2 months time. Following commissioning, all the carriages are expected to be in service by mid-2006. On the Dublin-Cork service, Minister Cullen said: “The arrival of 67 new rail carriages on the Dublin to Cork service will greatly enhance what is one of the busiest routes on the rail network”, he concluded.
ENDS
JPD – words like ‘world class’ are mere political spin. The fact is, this will not provide Cork with a world-class public transport system – but it is a major step and it may provide a foundation of sorts for future development of a transport system that works. Indeed the south side of the city is under-serviced – but East Cork is a rapidly growing commuter area of the city and at leat it is being given something of a support for prospective growth.The MPH/CIE arrangement is based on a mixed-equity premise – MPH won’t necessarily be handing over ‘hard cash’ as you put it in the traditional sense – they paid approximately IRP20m for the privilege of the site back in 1998 but the arrangement for development is on a shared equity basis with MPH the majority holders obviously. They will be availing of a great proportion of the 17-acres provided at Horgan’s Quay – a final figure is not available yet but I’m told that they have 12.5 acres for sure allocated for their own development, with 3 acres in negotiation with a 3rd party – however their design plans include these 3 acres.
who_me wrote:Derelict? At its current location? Not bloody likely!! ]The existing bus station will be retained and used as a hub station to compliment the new one on Horgan’s Quay. The goal is to have a grand interlinking system – involving the Midelton/Cobh and Blarney lines w/ the city’s bus routes. The current bus station will ultimately become a more central service centre given the eastern shift of the Core Commercial Area – as is evident by the on-going and prospective developments in the locale.
The redevelopment of Horgan’s Quay will be a vital instrument in the CCA shift within this parameter of the docklands – MPH, as primary designated developer, will have a big say in how this area of the docklands shapes up. Strong design standards have been pushed for by the likes of CCC within the 3-party talks. The pressure is on MPH to deliver (their current track record is so-so [take Pembroke Wood in Passage West for example – design ranges from the bland to the oh-so-nearly-there], Horgan’s Quay will require a completely new angle). Inevitably, development land in the gap/link between Horgan’s Quay and say, Paul Kenny’s RC development will be demand paramount. This comes at a time when John McCarthy Motorpoint and O’Hea’s Opel Dealership on Patrick’s Quay for example are considering moves to new purpose built premises at Mahon Point and Little Island. This should free up vital and potentially lucrative development land. Design standards have been set high by the Kenny development and anything less will likely suffer strong critique.
The figure on Horgan’s Quay redevelopment is estimated at 500m euro.
More details on Horgan’s Quay available at post #1568.
