lexington

Yeah I’ve heard Wagamama is suppose to be pretty nice – never myself been to one, but if the rumours are true -it will make a nice little addition to the city’s culinary scene.

The above is a pretty unflattering CG Image of the new Radisson SAS Hotel (122 bedrooms) at Ditchley House, Little Island (part of the new O’Flynn Construction ‘EastGate Park’). The hotel is due to open Summer 2005 and was designed by Dennehy + Dennehy Designs with construction by John Sisk & Sons Ltd. It stands out far better in reality than in the above image.

Yeah, I had been thinking, for an ‘industrial’ style building, it has a bit of distinction to it which is a pleasant change for the usual conformist drab. Coming east-to-west into the city at night it looks pretty eye-catching in what is otherwise a sea of grey and steel boxes. Architects are Kavanagh Tuite. Contractors = Joseph Lane & Son Ltd.

@anto wrote:

It’s called democracy I suppose. Maybe it will detract from the view of St. Fin Barre’s. Let the experts decide! (ABP).
Anyway you seem very gung ho about all the development in Cork, even Mahon Point which I doubt has much in the way of architectural merit. My point is not all development is necessarily a good ting in itself. If the scheme is wrong maybe it’s better it gets knocked back, the next one that comes along may be better.

anto, I understand the principles of democracy – and you’re right, not all development is positive, because I mention it (by way of informing people) doesn’t necessarily mean I endorse it. I have raised my concerns with projects like that as Grangefield Developments Arbutus Lodge project (in which I assisted some residents in the area – with perfectly valid reasons for objection – with their appeal), Cumnor Construction’s original plan for Sunday’s Well (which I’m glad to say has been revised and improved satisfactorily) and Howard Holdings project at 16 Lavitts Quay which is a rather horrible design benefitting nothing positive to the city’s aesthetics whatsoever (7-storey hotel designed by RORSA) – I have also raised my concerns regarding plans for another 7-storey city hotel at Crosses Green and Victoria Mills development. Just because its investment, doesn’t necessarily mean its good investment. I know this.

In reference to Mahon Point, if you have ever followed my posts regarding the development over the months, you see that I have criticised the project on many occassions for its bland and boxy form – its shopping centre element provides nothing more than dismal architectural scribbles. Due to the scale of the development, and its effects to surrounding areas, it is hard to avoid comment every-so-often – but this does not advocate support for its design. However, a project such as this must also be weighed up for its positive effects (the creation of 3,000 jobs, an increased diversity of services to the community, the improvements associated with local infastructure – see N25 Overhead bridge extensions etc).

The Jurys Development has been granted by the local authority as it views it as making a valuable contribution to the regeneration of the city centre. Even An Taisce commented on its architectural merit – something you don’t see too often. Reductions in height, apartment numbers, repositioning of buildings etc etc all were made by the developer and as outlined by planning conditions. However, the SWRG are objecting from 2 miles away – and a member of that group is also using a city centre business front she represents to contribute a 2nd appeal (but from the same person). Other appeals are based on a disgruntled response to the developer based on ‘other’ issues – which one individual very blatantly boasted to me in a private conversation before he realised my own position on the development. True colours were shown. However, one appeal is quite genuine and I have no issue with it being raised – it is their perfect entitlement to do so if they remain unhappy with a planning decision. My angst regarding this scenario is centred in the fact that I believe one should object to a development based on valid grounds – which include objection based on issues directly related to a development as a stand-alone project and not due to some past related issue (its simply destructive behaviour). I am also further appalled at the use of the aforementioned ‘childrens allowance’ scenario which is being used to financed the appeals (see previous posts).

Gung-ho? Perhaps regarding some developments – but I’d rather the expression, enthusiastic. I don’t readily and blindly support every project proposed, I don’t see many of these projects contributing positively economically, logistically or aesthetically to the city – and in such cases, I seek adjustment or other appropriate action. So yes, let democracy take its course – I agree, but don’t block the benefit of others based on selfish cause. Thats not democratic, thats plain old greed.

Global Properties are handling enquiries on the Section 50 development planned for the recently sold site at Victoria Cross/Wilton Road to an anonymour buyer by Irish & European (for an est’d 1.2m euros on an area of 8,000sq ft). Though rumours persist about the buyers identity, none have been verified – Frinailla Developments was mentioned (or was that the site across the road???), so was Tom McCarthy and Tim McNamara of Aras Developments – but nothing solid. I have an image of the development, but I’m afraid its not complient with my PC for some reason. Construction is due to commence early Feb(?) with German firm Heberger Construction.

😮 Another one – before Christmas we saw a flurry of hotel development applications for Cork city, now it seems, its private hospitals.

Fleming Construction intend to part finance the development of a new 130m euro 100-bed private hospital as part of its 2214-unit residential development north of Blarney. The hospital will be based on the Galway and Blackrock Clinics (developed by the Sheehan Bros. among others). It is expected to have 5 state-of-the-art operating theatres, a full physiotherapy suite, consultant suites, outpatients facilities, day-surgery etc.

– this comes after the recent revelation of plans for 3 other private hospitals for Cork, among them solicitor James G. O’Mahony intends to lodge an application with Cork County Council for a 500m euro medical campus and residential development on the city fringe at the Bandon Road Roundabout, along the N25. That development is expected to be overseen by the Beacon Court Group (who currently have a facility in operation at Sandyford, Dublin). Another plan is earmarked for a superb 7.5 acre city centre site in conjunction with an existing Cork health institution.

If all 4 applications make the cut – that could mean that an extra 400 private beds will be made available to the city and county.

By the way sw101 – I was chatting to a director w/ Clayton Love when viewing the designs for the Douglas Central Properties Ltd 8-storey hotel to the south of Cinema World and North of East Douglas Village – and he confirmed it also that the Hyde Partnership were indeed the main design team behind the scheme. RORSA had only be consulted at the initial design stages – the final design is all Hyde.

Its a very narrow building east-to-west, stepped from 6 to 8 storeys along this aspect also. The north and south elevations are pleasant, nothing noteworthy – white walls, with extensive utilisation of glass, the ‘trendy’ timber cladding and zinc cladding. Basement parking is accessed from the west from the former TSB premises. Its a nice design but nothing to write home about. Those worried about a Watergold Building Pt. II – rest assured, it doesn’t go there even a little. It does look a little over-dominating when viewed from an East Douglas Village perspective, but in its entire setting perspective, it actually looks fine. So far, I am only aware of 1 objection. It’s no harm for Douglas to get something noteworthy like this building – however in my own opinion, its only real distinction is its height. I suppose the trick was in the thinking, ‘don’t design anything too exciting, keep it nice and ordinary and contemporary so people won’t get too huffed up about it’. Yet my only concern relates to traffic management in the area – officially designated in Ireland’s Top 10 Traffic Blackspots.

:rolleyes: CIE Chairman John Lynch will be in Cork next Monday to meet City Manager Joe Gavin, planners and other councillors regarding the exhaustingly overdue 500m euro redevelopment of Horgan’s Quay. Fine Gael Councillor and former Lord Mayor Colm Burke has proposed that the City Council enact a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the site as a means of finally getting the project moving after 7 years of arsing around by CIE. The plan would see CIE lease back all the required rail activities will the remaining 10 acres would be allocated to the successful developer/developers (in a joint co-ordinated strategy) to redevelop the quay. Joe Gavin, who often refers to the failure to redeveloped the quay as ‘his greatest regret’ as City Manager, has vowed to have a firm commitment and actual movement on the project by Summer 2005 from CIE or otherwise alternative action will be taken – a planning application deadline has been earmarked for no later than Feb 2006. The Department of Finance, Transport and Environment have been approached for consultative purposes by CCC. John Lynch was scheduled also to be in the city next Monday to launch the 25m euro redevelopment of Kent Station.

I have a big oul soft spot for Douglas Wallace, these buildings might not be their best work but it’s still pretty tasty when weighed up against the likes of Anthony Reddy’s Barrow Street atrocity and I ain’t a big fan of it’s neighbours either – in fact any high-rise proposed by Treasury Holdings.

My only ‘but’ about the project however is, 27-storeys…in Drogheda??? I suppose there is the argument that it doesn’t really matter about the scale as long as it fits – but still, I dunno, the jury’s out on this one for a while.That all said Gerry Barrett continues to be one of the most innovative developers in the country. And the project still looks better than its colleagues a little further south.

Cork County Hall is a symbol of Cork and the Council more specifically. It encompasses vast land holdings and is established along a major suburban corridor in the form of Carrigrohane Straight – it wouldn’t have made economic sense to relocate to a new location along the Midelton Corridor. Plus, at the time of planning, the Midelton Railway hadn’t been greenlit and the Council couldn’t wait around for a grant to be finally funded while their offices were wasting away. Cork County Hall is well served by public transport and easily accessible on most major routes (South Ring N25, Carrigrohane Straight, Ballincollig By-Pass, Western Road etc) – the Council should promote increase public transport along among its employees and ‘visitors’ – a dedicated green-route has been recently established nearby.

I look forward to being able to provide them – I suppose what irritates me most about this appeal is the arrogance associated with it and the insult it generates to those who so genuinely depend on their Children’s Allowance to support their children. Just because the country is doing so exceptionally nowadays, doesn’t mean we can forget that not every member of our society has so richly benefited from it. This appeal is a disgusting act routed in a angered response to a planning decision made in the interests of our city.

– also, in reference to the point made regarding Cork County Council’s multi-storey facility, I have to say I agree, the 2 councils (Cork City and Cork County) have both for so long advocated and promoted the increased use of public transport, and invested heavily in them (Cork Suburban Rail System – allocated 90m for its prospective Midelton Line, the Cork City Green Routes, Park & Ride Facilities at Black Ash, Banduff and proposed Blarney Railway Station) and yet both their own projects at Cork County Hall and the new Cork City Hall 32m euro extension all facilitate high-volume in house parking (700 and 435 respectively) effectively encouraging employees to drive to work. Cork County Hall will facilitate its 600 employees (in and around 450 car per day) and Cork City Hall will facilitate its 400 employees (perhaps 200 cars per day) into the city. Hypocrisy???

*UPDATES*

😎 Jurys Hotel on the Western Road has given itself a closing date of Feb 28th 2005. Up to 110 jobs at the hotel will be lost or relocated as a result – however, with the opening of the Clarion on Lapps Quay, Radisson (Park Manor) in Little Island, Kingsley Hotel extension and up to 11 other hotel projects in and around Cork city under development – many of these staff have found or will find similar employment relatively easily. Early signs for this have been indicated by recruitment agencies Le Creme and Adecco.

– 😡 In related news, an appeal with ABP has been lodged by the residents of Sundays Well against O’Callaghan Properties redevelopment of the Jurys Hotel site which was, after substantial revision, granted planning by CCC. The residents argue that the development will ruin their vista of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and destroy their children’s heritage – in protest, the residents have put their children’s allowances toward the finance of the appeal. This despite the numerous revisions enacted by O’Callaghan Propoerties to rectify the original objection concerns. To be honest with you, if the residents are able to fling their children’s allowances around like that so casually – their allowance should perhaps be reviewed. That money is provided for concerned support of children in their upbringing – uses such as clothing, food, schoolbooks etc etc should in my own view receive priority, or if not needed now, saved for a later stage when such requirements become more fiscally stressful. This appeal has a lot more to do w/ egos and ‘rigid mindsets than children’s heritage. What about their future? Appeals such as this, should be financed personally or collectively, not using a children’s allowance – and worse, blatantly promoting the fact. I will actively seek appropiate V.I.S. images from a Sunday’s Well persepctive to show how the development and development revisions have a minimal effect on any disruption to the St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral vista. I treasure this view too, as I see it every morning when I travel into the city, it’s important to me also and I am wholly satisfied with the development skyline.
Work was due to commence on the project in March, this may be delayed further now until late-June(?). It’s a foolish move by the Sunday’s Well residents who now expose themselves to the possibility of the whole original project layout being greenlit – and not the revisions that were granted them by the developers to ease their concerns (case in pt. Kenny Group’s original 2000 South Main Street application). If so, nearby St. Al’s Girl School could stand to lose the benefits it gained in the revisions. It’s a selfish tactic (although I believe OCP will keep the revisions made to address the school’s concerns in any event – it remains the principle rather than the point).