lexington
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🙂 Tomorrow, May 29th 2005, will see the Sunday Business Post publish its annual Cork Review Supplement. It’s a interesting look at some of the progress and developments being made and/or established throughout the Cork city and county regions and well worth a look for any interested parties.
@d_d_dallas wrote:
Lex,
should this not be constricted to *completed* project only? From what I know about e.g. Wilson’s projects they deserve some recognition, but neither project has even cleared the planning process let alone begun construction. Sometimes things don’t impress in the flesh quite the way they do in photmontages.I agree that this is true, however, photomontage or no, the general design I think is the conveyable by these representations.
PERIOD ONE: December 2004 – May 2005
1. Please indicate your preference by what you genuinely believe to be the firm which has BEST contributed to the Cork Skyline within this term, mentioned above.
2. You are kindly requested to vote only once, in the interests of fairness.
3. List your preference with a single Number or Practice Name (1 only – that which you believe to be the best. No need to list in order of preference).
Nominated Firms1. Wilson Architecture
– projects at Eglinton Street (O’Flynn Construction)
and St. Patrick’s Quay (The Kenny Group)
2. Murray O’Laoire– for Water Street (Werdna Developments)
and Centre Park Road (McCarthy Developments)
[Image Coming Soon]
3. Coughlan de Keyser– for No.5 & No.6 Lapps Quay (O’Flynn Construction)
and Centre Point (Clontarf Street – for DAT Partnerships)
4. Patrick A. Cashman & Associates– for 21 Lavitts Quay (O’Callaghan Properties)
5. Scott Tallon Walkerfor City Quarter (Howard Holdings)
and WebWorks (also Howard Holdings)
Existing Images unsuitable (but available at request) – better images soon!😀 Sorry about getting back to this late! I waited on posting the decision to allow me time get details on the decision for John Mannix’s 40 – 42 Washington Street development, designed by Dermot Coveney of Coveney & Associates (CA), Monkstown. The plan was to have it up either last night or early this morning, as posted, but the ole illness flaired back up nasty yesterday evening (delightful!) and I’ve not been of the form. But, without further adieu, the project has been given the greenlight as expected.
An appeal, more so on legal grounds, was brought to Mr. Mannix by business operator Arthur Leahy, who operates from a premises under lease from Mr. Mannix on the site lands. ABP found the appeal not standing and granted the development under conditions including an archaelogical appraisal of the site prior to construction. Mr. Coveney of CA is delighted with the outcome.
Construction of the development is not earmarked for sure as of yet, details on that will follow in the near future.
The project will revitalise an eyesore along one of Cork’s most prominent main streets and offer a new ‘gateway’ style building and a new architectural departure for the streetscape.
*UPDATES*:confused: Paul Kenny, whose Ship Street project (St. Patrick’s Quay/Revenue Commissioners development) is generally receiving positive opinions from CCC (Mr. McDowell’s office apparently likes the plans anyway! 😉 – despite 3 objections from Bell Scott Engineering, McLaughlins and An Taisce), has purchased 36.4 acres at Mount Desert in Clogheen, in the green-belt area approx. 2 miles from Cork city. The agricultural land was purchased through Global Properties for 625,000euros earlier this year (125,000euros in excess of the guide price). The land has literally STUNNING views overlooking Cork city is a prime holding. Although Mr. Kenny has applied to CorkCoCo for an entrance to the site – his long-term plans are as yet unclear as any development other than an own dwelling would be complicated in the medium run. The proposed North Cork Ring Road runs through Kerry Pike approx. 2 miles west of the site and may alter the prospects of the preciously protected greenbelt (but hopefully not, the last thing needed is a cluster of urban ‘sprawlites’ engulfing this spectacular green area so close to the city.)
🙂 Also Quiznos, perhaps the biggest rival to ‘health’ fastfood chain Subway in the US, are seeking to open 10 new stores in Ireland over the next few months (part corporate, part franchise) with a hope to have up to 2 of those stores located in and around Cork city. Since Subway came to Cork it has been a successful enterprise with 3 stores operating in the city, and a possible 4th store opening by next Autumn. Quiznos are banking on their ability to reap from this success. A gentleman involved in Franchise Operations for Ireland was telling me, when I asked about Cork, that Cork looked like an increasingly attractive location for foreign stores to open first – providing a nice test market. This has been evidenced by the likes of fellow US food chain Bennigans opening their first store in Ireland at Mahon Point. Also Bershka and Costa Coffee. However, the gentleman noted Quiznos will hope to have a least 1 store in every major Irish urban area by the end of 2006 with Dublin, Cork and Galway their priority. (?)@Radioactiveman wrote:
Does anyone know when we can expect to see that long delayed piece of artwork for City Quarter?
Finally, can someone please confirm to me whether the block outlined below is Block A in the Jury’s Redevelopment Plans.
-> Block A is the 9-storey block in the centre of the development – it can be seen peaking behind the outlined Block.
-> City Quarter sculpture will be erected in June.
jungle – way back I started a thread called “Cork New Developments” to focus on the new developments aspect of Cork. The Long-Run plan was to leave this thread open to debate on the implications of these developments or existing architecture. However it was merged with the LADSOCL thread as is now – some elements of this thread are from the CND thread. So it’s a matter to Paul I suppose really. With that in mind, when I asked him about the length of the thread, he said when it reaches a point (maybe 100 pages no???) a 2nd part to this thread LADSOCL 2 would perhaps be an option. The problem with that is it would become very difficult to reference back previous info when required. So I don’t know really. How about a link at the beginning of the LADSOCL 2 thread to the 1st part (this existing one) when it is launched, therefore, if anyone ever needs to reference the first thread they can simply click on the link at the beginning of the new thread. This should help with referencing issues.
😮 Will have the decision on John Mannix’s development up tomorrow. The decision has been made – just trying to clarify something (the details behind it so I can give you a half-decent post).@Thomond Park wrote:
Section 25 is a disater from an architectural point of view just look at the Dublin docklands, anything decent that has been done down there has been done through DCC and the normal planning system.
I agree – I suppose that’s why I said “Section 25”-style legislation – in the ABP avoidance way, but permitant of design standards etc.
Funnily enough the U2-Tower will be going through Section 25 if they get the extra 40metres.
😡
As previously mentioned, and now confirmed, Werdna Ltd have lodged a 1st party appeal against the ruling made by CCC on the Murray O’Laoire designed project. It’s a risky gamble Mark McMahon & Co. will be taking, risking the loss of their project overall – a real shame, heaven’s forbid, should it happen. The decision to appeal was considered the best option after the architects and developer spent many an intense consideration with regards the path they should take following a harshly and widely criticised ruling by CCC. Other options explored included: proceeding with the development as granted, then later seeking a further application to redevelop the site area designated for the signature tower; a revised overall proposal; and simply ‘walking away’ from the proposal. The appeal decision was weighed up as the best option and initiated on an indication that they may be brought to appeal regardless by the Lower Glanmire Road Residents group. Fingers are tightly crossed that the gamble taken by Werdna will pay off. It’s an important project in an area vitally in need of redevelopment.
Unfortunately, the Lower Glanmire Road Residents group still seem unhappy with the restrictive decision permitted by CCC and lodged their own appeal. They, it would seem, won’t be happy until there is no development on the site. I personally, and I’m open to criticism, feel this constitutes a selfish move on their behalf. Not happy with the project being more than halved, they now seek its demise. I empathised with their initial concerns, but that empathy is lost on their current actions.
😡 As if Murray O’Laoire didn’t already face a tough run, McCarthy Developments’ highly welcomed Centre Park Road office development has also been brought to appeal by Patrick Herlihy (who has a business in the vicinity). Planner Evelyn Mitchell granted the application last month. The plan was welcomed as a major positive step forward in the docklands rejuvenation. This represents another reason why I’m pushing for Section 25-style legislation to be imposed on all Cork docklands projects. Centre Park Road provides an exceptional and pleasant opportunity – it is a pity some persons can’t see this also.John Mannix’s Washington Street Development
John Mannix’s project for a new 6-storey development at 40 – 42 Washington Street currently awaits a decision with ABP. The appeal was brought by Arthur Leahy, who operates a business from premises on lease from Mr. Mannix, against the project after it received a grant subject to revised drawings from CCC. The original plan sought a 7-storey building, over private basement car-park, which was to include a large retail facility, upper floor offices and 13 apartments (10 2-storey units and 3 roof-top penthouses). Revisions consequent of Further Information reduced the height by 1-storey, in line with neighbouring building heights (also removing the unsightly boxy top to the building), reducing apartment numbers to 12 – and also saw the protruding bay window on the South Main Street/Washington Street corner set back into the building (I kind of liked the way it stood out – it gave a break to an otherwise verticak facade) – design by Dermot Coveney of Coveney & Associates, Monkstown.
A decision is due sometime tomorrow evening.
The CCC planning report noted that the design was something of a departure for the area, but that the corner location of the site was suitable for a new ‘gateway’ design. The project has the potential to rejuvinate an area which should be more accessible to pedestrians/shoppers. The absence of any facilities may be in part accountable to the extensively bland church wall which spans the majority of this side of Washington Street. It is hoped the new development will draw life back onto the street.
Note: The image seen below is a scan of the original development plan and does not represent the much improved revision as granted. See details in post above.
*UPDATES*😀 Michael O’Donoghue’s Rockfell Investments are scheduled to make a move on their Cornmarket Street development within the coming weeks – that’s according to City Manager Joe Gavin and an “informant” 😉 with Rockfell/Munster Joinery. However, the input of OCP, as was speculated and mentioned earlier is not clear – if at all, I’ll keep sussing that one out. It’s thought, that in the longer run – OCP will seek to link Paul Street SC in with the Cornmarket Street project following a refurbishment a some stage in the future.
A number of site assessments will first have to be made before primary construction work begins however, as part and parcel of the planning grant by CCC.
The premises are currently being used for storage. Niall Coffey with Frank Ennis & Associates provided the design which will encompass 170,000sq ft of retail space over 9 large units facing an internal mall, 66 basement parking spaces and 65 apartments. The 6-storey development will incorporate the existing Musgrave/Guy & Co. building facade. Meanwhile CCC have launched their action plan, following months of talks, to redevelop the streetscape of Cornmarket Street – it is believed some aspects of this will work in tandem with the building works by Rockfell.
🙂 BrideView Developments have been granted permission for a large 106-unit apartment development at Monfieldstown in Rochestown. The development consists of a single building ranging in heights of 3 to 5-storeys over a basement car-park. The grant was permitted under a number of conditions including some alterations – of which I will have better details on at a later stage.– and on a double day of delight for BrideView, permission was also granted for their 30-unit apartment scheme in Carrigaline, on a small-ish site near the town centre which they reportedly paid a sum of approx. 1m euros for last year.
🙂 Not too far away, in Douglas (Moneygurney), OSB Group, who are also developing Camden Court along Carroll’s Quay in the city – Phase 2 of which has begun preliminary construction, have been also permitted planning for their 97-unit residential development which was also subject to conditions. The original application sought 45 houses, 28 maisonettes (teach beags) and 24 apartments. James Leahy & Associates again provided the designs – as with Camden Court.
🙁 Daniel Lordan’s plans for a large development constituent of a 64-bedroom nursing home, 32 apartment units, community hall and 33 cottages for Coolyrahilly near Kinsale have been shot down.
Some New Eglinton Street ImagesThe more I view this project the further down my jaw drops. It gets more and more impressive the more angles you look at it from. Well done Mr. O’Mahony & Wilson team, Arup and well done OFC.
Images have been substantially compressed.
View west-to-east down the new streetscape planned linking Eglinton Street with Albert Road. Note the extensive pedestrian element and basement carpark entrance – also, the Howard Holdings WebWorks on Albert Quay can be seen just encroaching on the image to the left.
View down Albert Road (north-south), Eglinton Street rises like a maze of shape and colour. Impressive. (P.S. Doyle Warehousing seen to the right is set to be redeveloped (7-storeys – undetermined height, based on 1 plan of 1 interested party), this will blend Eglinton Street in much easier.)
kite, I assume you’re referring to the post I made with reference to the ‘buzz’ I felt around Cork. Well, I’m sorry you don’t feel that way. I don’t think there’s a need to knock a little enthusiasm and appreciation for development progress finally being made after so long. I for one, intend to enjoy it. As with all things, it needs to be approached with cautious, calaculated optimism. Cork has a long way to go in all aspects – social, infastructural (physical and economic) etc. One should never deny the obstacles we face – but it’s better to approach them with a chin up rather than a walk in the opposite direction. Noting achievements is an important part of the ‘confidence boost’ a city needs when facing into such obstacles – it lets people see what can be done with correctly applied efforts. Cork is no utopia, but that doesn’t mean we cannot and should not be aiming high. It’s a pity you don’t see this. I feel safer in Cork than I do in many cities but that doesn’t mean not to take the same careful precautions one should practice in any urban environment – i.e. don’t wander done dark alleys alone, don’t carry your life-savings in your pocket etc etc It’s a sad, but real aspect of life – one we must continue combating. I have no doubt that a great deal of this lesser side to the urban domain stems from those who profit from the sale of goods like your ‘magic mushrooms’ and their associative activities. Perhaps if we ruled those individuals out first, you wouldn’t have to keep looking over your shoulder so regularly.🙂 The Moran Family (of Waterfall, Cork) have succeeded in gaining a grant for their large residential development at Deanrock in Togher. Originally the development consisted of 71 residential units in a mix of houses, apartments and duplexes, with associated parking. Following Further Information responses to CCC concerns, the plan was revised with a reduction in apartment numbers but overall units increase to 72 units and increases in associated parking to 92 spaces (parking had been an object of concern through the planning process). The mix of units now includes additional housing.
Planner Evelyn Mitchell noted the architectural quality of the development stating, “The proposed development, as revised, is considered to address the original concerns of the Planning Authority and the development is considered to be of architectural quality and will result in the development of one of the few remaining greenfield sites in this area to a high standard.”
Architects were Blackrock, Dublin based Design Strategies.
😮 OCP have also be granted the alterations to their 2nd Phase of retail warehousing at Mahon Point😀 ABP have confirmed that O’Callaghan Properties plans for the redevelopment of Jurys/Lancaster Quay has been given the go-ahead subject to conditions. The decision, made last Friday evening was submitted to interested parties as of Monday.
It is believed that demolition works will commence on the former InterContinental/Jurys hotel building within the imminent future – following which will be a number of site assessments before Bowen Construction commence the main construction work. Up to 63 units and the 6-storey, 182-bedroom new Jurys hotel will be constructed as part of the 1st of 3 phases which is scheduled for a late 2006 completion. As part of the new development, a new vehicular bridge (post a re-application) and underground car-parking for what will ultimately accommodate 450 parking spaces will all be constructed.
Conditions imposed include a reduction in height of Block E BY 1-storey and the omission of Block A, the 9-storey centrepiece building (unfortunately). Don’t think OCP can be too delighted with that prospect however, considering Ronnie McDowell’s CCC conditions reduced numbers to only 257. The Lancaster Quay frontage will remain the same. Block A can be seen centre of the image posted below.
Henry J. Lyons were the architects on the project (Finghin Curraoin), with Niall Fitzsimons acting in a consulting engineers position.
(:p: Ahhh, letting that out felt good. It’s like knowing your next-door neighbouring is having an affair with the postman and not being able to tell anyone. Except with buildings…cough cough.)
*UPDATES*
😉 Will have a nice bit of news for you tomorrow evening fingers crossed! Many of you have been waiting on this.
Images will be up soon for John Mannix’s Washington Street development which was brought to appeal following a revise grant by Arthur Leahy (CGP). The decision is due on Wednesday – although ABP indicated there may be a small delay on that.
🙂 RM – this is becoming Artiseek.com. But I agree, Nathaniel Grogan’s “View of Cork” is a superb piece, among my favourite in the Crawford Gallery. The Daly Family Trust had been very good in loaning the piece to the Crawford for such an extended period, and I have no doubt that any individual(s) that purchase the work will undoubtedly consider the same – perhaps not on the same basis, but even for periods of time. We’ll see.@Radioactiveman wrote:
@lexington wrote:
A long long time ago, you may or may not remember (depending on how long you’ve been using the thread) that I put up a post saying “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT SOON!” – but was asked to swiftly remove it? Well, it would now seem the wheels on that project are back in motion. So once again I reiterate the aforementioned posting, but can’t at this stage outline the timeframe – as I don’t frankly know it! But, it would seem, it’s on the way!
Lex, for those relative newcomers (or those who weren’t paying attention) can you let us know what kind of development you’re talking about.
Well RM, the plan I intended to announce soon was actually that of the Douglas redevelopment plan involving the Love Family/Shipton Group. I was unaware of the timeframe for announcement etc etc, but since the basic story was, as they say, “made public” in the Irish Examiner today I might as well fill you in on some of the details.
You will remember the recent refusal of permission imposed against Douglas Central Properties (a Love Family SPV) for the development of an 8-storey 124-bedroom hotel designed by the Hyde Partnership – this in conjunction with the plans permitted in 2004 to Canmount Ltd (another SPV) for the Wilson Architecture designed Douglas Village S.C. redevelopment (to include: demolition, refurbishment and sub-division of part of the existing centre, a new 15,341m gross floor area extension of generally one storey with elements of two and three storey, and is inclusive of new relocated anchor store, retail units, restaurants, bank, library, post office, offices, leisure centre, toilet facilities, malls and storage areas, 3 levels of multi-deck car parking with 963 no. spaces, new and remodelled elevations, new east west link road (N25), relocation of existing Tramore River culvert and Ballybrack Stream and new external plaza areas) – these elements were to be incorporated into the grand plan of a greater redevelopment (considering the hotel’s refusal, I believe, plans have since been reformulated). A ‘skybridge’ connection has been proposed to link the 2 Shipton Group owned shopping centres in the area (in stages) – the centre plans will require alterations to facilitate this (and will be lodged over a number of seperate applications). The Cinema World site was to be cleared to provide a linkage of commercial and residential units with a part-underground cineplex beneath. The height was expected to vary (w/ the hotel element providing the high-point, obviously since, has been reformatted). The east-west link road as proposed in the Douglas Village (or Douglas Central as it is to be renamed) Shopping Centre redevelopment (and visible in the below image) would then be extended east (utilising Douglas Court S.C and Douglas Village car-parking areas and routeways) and linking up with existing road facilities. This would allow for a greater flow of traffic across the suburb and benefit access to the redevelopment project elements as a whole. Obviously Neil Love & Clayton Love Jnr. have been conducting talks with Cork County Council about the project, and I believe Cork City Council are being consulted with also (given the complexity of boundaries – Douglas Village S.C. actually lies in the city, with most of the remaining lands in County Council jurisdication, it ridiculous!).
Thats a brief of the plan – as I said in the past, plans had been stalled given numerous complexities, but the wheels would now again seem to be back in motion. A press report gave a 4 to 5 year timeframe – I personally haven’t be indicated a precise timeline, but it is understood some elements are bounded by a deadline of 2009 giving existing permissions (these may yet be amended allowing for a deadline extension).
an image of the redevelopment plan for Douglas Village S.C. element as submitted 2003.Further images are a while off, but I’ll look into it for whenever they’re made available.
*UPDATES*🙂 Lyonshall Ltd (Kieran Coughlan and Claire Riordan) are to apply for an additional 4-storey over-basement mixed-use development of approx. 80,000sq ft at their Ursuline Convent development project at Blackrock. The building will include a 12,000sq ft discount foodstore (the tenant is already lined up), a library on the 1st floor, 8 office units (totalling nearly 30,000sq ft and with individual terraced areas) and 171 parking spaces (divided between basement and ground levels) – with all ancillary facilities and works.
Recently, Lyonshall initiated a joint-venture deal with construction firm Pierse Construction on the development of approx. 180 of their massive 550-unit residential development the company has permission existing on.
😮 Regarding Cork2005 , I have to say that a number of developers around Cork should be noted for their very active and generous contributions to Cork’s European Capital of Culture title. Notably the Shipton Group (as mentioned above) for their 250,000euro contribution (150,000 of which goes into Cork2005 projects, and 100,000 specifically designated for projects related to the Blackpool and Northside communities.O’Flynn Construction are sponsoring the the most valuable short-story literature event (I’m told in Europe!), with a prize of 50,000euros attached – and made a sizeable donation to the fund.
OCP have made sizeable monetary contributions to the Cork2005 fund, engaged in a number of celebrations hosted at its Mahon Point premises and is currently hosting the Pauline Bewick art exhibition at its new HQ in 21 Lavitts Quay.
Frinailla, Bowen, John F. Supple among others have also contibuted generously. Interesting.
😀 For those of you needing something to work up to, trust me, there’s another pretty BIG ANNOUNCEMENT due soon for Cork (perhaps among the biggest!) and it’s a lot closer to the city centre too! But my lips are sealed and my ears filled with gauze to any enquiries – but let’s just say, its going to be pretty interesting. No timeframe, so just hang on! There’ll be a few nice revelations besides that too soon.-> PLUG: Check out the latest “Where’s Me Culture?” magazine (cough cough 😉 ).
Now I’m back off to my sick-bed… 😮
:p Something struck me whilst driving home tonight from another day of drudgery – and it has completely brightened my day up, even excited me! As I drove down the Western Road, I decided to do a quick tour – down Washington Street (envisioning the Jurys Redevelopment on site and Kino redevelopment opposite), Grand Parade, South Mall, around the City Hall district (the “Green Crane Quarter”), passed City Quarter, along Patrick’s Quay and over to Lavitts Quay. What dumbfounded me was the sheer energy and life of the city. It was approaching 10pm and the streets were full everywhere with a healthy mix of all walks of life – not just mixed race but mixed ages. Young party revellers blended with the occasional group of more senior citizens, sitting on ballards and small park walls chatting. Chairs and tables out on the streets outside bustling cafes. Young children running around playing on St. Patrick’s Street new streetscape as their parents ordered another “latte”. People on the quaysides, groups of people leaving hotels for a night out, the works!
The City Hall/City Quarter districts are coming on very well – I imagined the new City Hall extension, the WebWorks, Eglinton Street, the 2 developments for Albert Quay – hush-hush 😉 ), the Clontarf Street building, the plans for Parnell Place, Andersons Quay, the Kenny Development on St. Patrick’s Quay etc etc. City Quarter looks superb by night. On Lavitts Quay I could envision the revised plans for the Howard Holdings/Comfort Inn development (significant further information on this project is expected within the coming weeks) next to 21 Lavitts Quay (which looks very well) and in my own head, for fun, I envisioned the Greek or Lafferty Design Kyrls Quay Architectural Competition entries standing proud.
The energy is palpable. The buzz was intoxicating. Without a shadow of a doubt, Cork continually seems to be gaining a continental feel about it more so than any other Irish city. It’s a great sight to see any city come along the way it is. The city must focus its energies on creating the critical mass of business needed to sustain this wonderful development – and for CCC policies to nurture this input in exchange for high-quality and supreme design standard developments with public provisions like waterfront amenities, parks, public art, afforable housing, plazas etc etc.
I posit the establishment of a Cork City Business Infastructural and Associated Provisions Committee – details on this at a future date. Cork really is on the up – long may it continue!
🙂 McCarthy Developments have been granted their height and unit number extensions to Blocks 5 & 6 at their substantial Jacob’s Island residential development near Mahon Point. The blocks will now rise 2-storeys higher to 8-storeys with 28 extra units. Last month an extension at Blocks 1 & 2 was also granted – bringing the height of those blocks from 4 to 6 storeys. Additional basement parking provision is also to be allocated. The grant was allowed subject to design alterations, concerning finishes and elevational treatments, submitted through Unsolicited Further Information. The development is currently under construction by Ridge Developments. Project Architects are responsible for the development, located on an unrivaled waterfront park-like setting.
🙁 Well I’m afraid those of you who have been waiting patiently for the decision by ABP are going to have to wait a little longer. The Bord have still not confirmed a decision with the decision date being deferred to an unspecified date. However, a recent rush by architects Henry J. Lyons & Partners to provide additional informations before last Tuesday (17th May 2005) and also by Consulting Engineers Niall Fitzsimons, I’m told, indicates an apparent positive sign. The problem is, the delayed decision sends a mixed one – either the Bord have required more time to assess the new info. or there is decision difficulty. I’m going to be an optimist and go with the former. Thankfully, the Dean of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral has withdrawn his objection, however, Brigid Healy & Co. remain steadfast – pity really, I would have thought the additional business would have benefit her and colleagues no end. A decision could be today, tomorrow, next week…we’ll just have to sit tight. 😮
The 1st Image was kindly submitted by an involved party, it shows a west-to-east perspective of the Lafferty entry in the Kyrls Quay architectural competition. The design encompasses a tall, bright frontage of unique shape and segmented design (facilitating various units) spanning the Kyrls Quay frontage, sufficiently high as to mask the multi-storey car-park to the south (access to which is provided through an arched entrance opening out onto the trafficked quayside). Behind the frontage exist an arrangement of buildings accommodating various uses and facilitating public space. An elevated walkway extends from the main structure over the quayside roadway to an accessible signature tower representing the former gateway to the city’s older quarter (around North Main Street etc). The frontage and tower are illuminated in varying colours at night bringing a lively and colourful vibrancy to an often wanting quayside.
A second image of the Greek entry is available, however, it was sent to my e-mail from an individual who had used a digital-camera to photograph a design presentation as it stood. Unfortunately, she failed to consider the impact of light and there exists excessive shadowing and image inconsistency. It is below in thumbnail format and is of poor quality. I’ll try and get a proper quality image in the future.
However, what is interesting to note is the marvelous elevated public space created in this project, and its relationship to the quayside and Bridewell Garda Station (which it en-wraps). It would provide a spectacular entrance to Cornmarket Street and for anyone travelling west on Lavitts Quay. The design came highly commended. The building elements successfully mask the multi-storey also.
Clontarf Street “Centre Point” office proposal image😮 As promised, a better quality image of the 9-storey office proposal by DAT Partnerships for Clontarf Street. The design is by Couglan de Keyser Associates. Again this image is of the eastern elevation, looking west.
@theblimp wrote:
re the Kyrls Quay competition, eeeuuuccch – let’s crumple some pieces of cardboard and drop them randomly … see how it looks. I guess it would help to see some more detail, but from the image above it’s nothing near what I had been hoping for. A great opportunity squandered – sadly it’s not like that phrase hasn’t been used here before. What happens with the winning project? Are developers invited to build according to the winning design, or does the competition gather dust somewhere? :confused:
I’ll put up an image, maybe 2 (having trouble with the lighting on the 2nd image) later tonight of 2 of the more ‘imaginative’ proposals (in my opinion) not to have passed the so-called ‘test’. The competition is merely to show what can be done. It means nothing really, but if a developer comes along and decides to roll with one of the entries, it will simply give it an easier ride through planning (theoretically!)
*UPDATES*
🙁 Charles & Helen McCarthy are to be granted permission to develop a hotel at their Mill Business Centre site at Crosses Green. Planner Michael Lynch has recommended that permission be granted subject to the revised drawings. The Derek Tynan & Associates designed proposal is now to be reduced by 2-floors so that it rises to a new 5-storey (4-storey over ground) and 2-storey over-ground height. Still ugly though! Sorry!
Also more images of the new Clontarf Street office development by DAT Partnerships, designed by Coughlan de Keyser Associates will be up later.
🙂 Was just about to post the images of the Kyrls Quay Competition there, but you’re ahead today RM! Good show! 😉I’m most disappointed by the Conroy Architecture entry. How bland and boring. I reminds me of the Government Buildings on Sullivans Quay.
I’ll post the Lafferty Architecture entry later on. The design by the Building Design Partnership and Marie Pierre Avgeri, Theophilus Kizos, Irene Stolidou and Maria Kechrinioti were far more interesting and made better public domain provisions. The Greek entry proposes a fabulous boardwalk and timber plaza which wraps around the Bridewell Garda Station – it was one of my preferred entries. Pity – but I’m not surprised I have to say with Urban Initiatives had a say in the result.
😀 A long long time ago, you may or may not remember (depending on how long you’ve been using the thread) that I put up a post saying “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT SOON!” – but was asked to swiftly remove it? Well, it would now seem the wheels on that project are back in motion. So once again I reiterate the aforementioned posting, but can’t at this stage outline the timeframe – as I don’t frankly know it! But, it would seem, it’s on the way!🙂 Well the decision has been made! And the winner of the CCC/RIAI sponsored architectural competition for the redevelopment of Kyrl’s Quay has been selected out of 80 entries from all over Ireland, the UK, France, USA, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Greece and even Japan!
The winning design was submitted by practice partners Robert “Bobby” Conroy and Patrick Little of Conroy Architecture.
The International Assessment Panel constituted of urban designer Kelvin Campbell (not my flavour of the month following the Water Street decision), Jim Barrett (Dublin City Architect), architects Tom de Paor & T.G. Mitchell and Piers Gough.
Entrants were briefed to design buildings capable of accommodating a number of uses such as retail, offices, leisure, cultural and residential. A display of all entries will be held in the Bodega from May 19th 2005 to May 20th 2005. I myself didn’t actually see the Conroy entry, but hope to bring you details and images soon.
Details of the Competition Results will be made available soon at Conroy Architects (under construction) and at Cork City Council websites.
