lexington

I completely agree with those angered by the events at Fr. Matthew’s Hall – it was a careless, illegal and irresponsible act. I believe those responsible should be addressed in a most disciplinary manner. I personally didn’t comment on it because I was not informed well enough about the events at the time other than what I had heard from nearby residents and in the paper.

My ‘Here we go again!’ remark refers to the subtle bashing of members.

I don’t get it with the personal attacks – express opinion yes, personal insults?! No thanks.

If a member has something to say about a development or event by all means say it – don’t be hanging around for others to comment. That’s like expecting others to give blood. It’s an open forum – we might not always agree with an opinion, but one is entitled to it nonetheless. That’s what’s so great about these forums.

Originally posted by Jack White

Yes Discussion,

Not free advertising for schemes of dubious quality, no response to the shameful demolition of Fr Mathews Hall only more updates with a mixture of smileys. It reminds me of a particular 1970’s chewing gum commercial.

The thread title ‘Look at de state of Cork, like!’ in part refers to a belief held by many that for too long Cork was left behind in the Celtic Tiger – in terms of development. As Cork is now embracing its own development wave – I believe informing interested parties of the development which affects their city – aesthetically, economically and socially – has everything to do with the thread title. It will also allow persons to gauge the city’s progress since the thread was initiated. Furthermore, this thread is also an amalgamation of another thread called ‘Cork New Developments’ – it was merged by the site operators for matters of ease and convenience. That thread also continues here-in and is perfectly entitled to do so.

For too long the people of Cork and those interested in its progress have been kept out of the loop. This is a well run website and this thread provides an excellent opportunity to inform those interested. Development is dictated by demand and supply which ties in with economics. Development has social, historical, economic and architectural consequences.

Furthermore, I am not the only person utilising this forum – the debate on the issues you seem determined to address is open to all. So I’ll carry on doing my thing – you are perfectly entitled to make comments on such matters yourself – so why don’t you get actively involved and stop the critique of others wanting to make a contribution. The more input the better.

For a Section 23 development of 12m euro, Frank Sheahan and Joe Carey, are aiming pretty high in the pricing arena for their new Blackpool Hewitt Mills development. The semi-circular, red-brick, 7-storey building designed by J.E. Keating & Associates – is selling 600sq ft 1-bedroom apartments starting at 325,000 euro. 2 bedroom 800sq ft apartments at 390,000 euro – and 3-bedroom, 1009sq ft apartments from 450,000 euros. There are 69 apartments as part of this first phase of development. 135 units will be built in total – the remainder in further blocks. In my own opinion, the development hardly or fairly reflects the asking price. If someone has a half-million to spend – it would be better spent on a selection of other Cork city developments of a better standard, location, space and at only half the price.

Okay, maybe when I have more time and energy, I will state what is wrong with Diaspora’s claims. I have a report here from Arup conducted on behalf of a private client, and another report by RPS, stating the unsuitability of the Cork R&H Hall grain silos for a number of commercial uses other than cultural (like I mentioned, the BALTIC Centre in Newcastle, UK). ‘Bolands Mills Grain Silos’ – I do agree were well converted, and I’m glad that they were, but there is a matter here of condition. IAWS have been itching themselves to demolish the silos – irresponsibly you may say, they invested little in maintaining their structural quality. Silos are indeed very structurally diverse, and I agree with you on that, but the issue with R&H Hall is that issues of foundation and a number of alternate use schemes have eroded the structural quality beyond that of most other facilities in the country. The reports won’t upload onto this forum because of their size, I will try and load it onto a web-based serve if I can. However, I acknowledge, the report does mention – some commercial uses may be attained from the silos within a limited capacity but at an extensive cost – which may make such projects unviable – and leaving the silos in a continued state of disrepair. And even if this wasn’t the case, what’s wrong with respectful progress? I accept the romantic view of the silos – I often think it would feel weird looking down the quays and not seeing them there – but why should we block ourselves from new possibilities that may provide a greater city-scape for all concerned?

-> Rathmelton Investments (Joe McCarthy) have said they no longer plan to construct the student element of their Kingsley Hotel redevelopment (at least for now – which is odd because there is a 2006 S.50 deadline). However, construction is ongoing at the 82-bedroom extension on-site and 19-room apart-hotel.

– very encouraging opinion.

For R&H Hall specifically, I can’t comment on exact plans – however, a IAWS (owners of R&H Hall Weybridge along Kennedy Quay) have held discussions with a series of developers in the past – and some negotiations are on-going. There were rumours of an apartment development replacing the grain silos as far back as 1996 – however this was contravene to city development plans that wish to focus commercial activities exclusively in this area. CCC and IAWS are both very anxious to make sure the standard of development is first-class – as it represents the real entrance to the docklands – and what develops here will set the tone for the remainder of future developments along these quays. A strong emphasis has been put on high-rise developments (office buildings, hotels, leisure & retail facilities etc) as the grain silos average 13 to 14 storeys as is – and high-rise is oddly very important to Cork’s city-scape from this perspective traditionally. One proposal that was made, but subsequently withdrawn, proposed a BALTIC Centre style cultural venue through silo restoration. This was deemed unviable – and the grain silos are structurally incapable of catering to modern standard commercial usage. Furthermore, why do we have to copy everywhere else? Shouldn’t Cork be doing something unique? – let others copy from us. Even high-rise office buildings – but with a special, unique edge is a better way to go. Imagination should be let run wild – positively – here. I’ll give you more details when I can.

Originally posted by mickeydocs
Any news on Howard Holdings proposal for Albert Quay?
What timescales have the ccc put on the O’Flynn planning process?

😎 Howard Holdings tell me that the most likely probability for any announcement relating to Albert Quay (now known as Terence McSweeney Quay as far as I know), will be made in early Spring 2005, when the City Quarter development on Lapps Quay is up and running. However, this may be subject to change.

🙂 The decision due date for O’Flynn Construction’s Eglinton Street Gateway development is the 2nd of December 2004 – expect CCC to request Further Info or extend the decision date (as is common CCC practice).

🙂 Against stiff opposition, Tesco Ireland have secured planning for a petrol station development as part of its redeveloped Wilton SC. Local petrol stations had complained against the development – which, as stations in Killarney and Dublin have shown, provide significantly reduced fuel prices – badly needed in today’s high-price fuel market. Fears by competitors should be met with a willingness to compete and find ways to reduce operational costs. This is competition sorely needed – and great news for motor fuel consumers.

-> R&H Hall Grain Silos – were to be developed a number of years ago, as apartments (after their demolition). Plans were later abandoned for this. The Cork City Development Plan 2004 and Docklands Development Plan 2003/4 outline the predominantly commercial usage allocated for the southern docklands – with the northern docklands (Horgan’s Quay) zoned for residential (in the majority) with associated commercial facilities. IAWS, owners of R&H Hall, are actively negotiating development plans for this site.

-> An Post Sorting Office on Eglinton Street was purchased for 15m euro last Feb 2004 by O’Flynn Construction. They have lodged an application with CCC, for a mixed use development of 217 luxury apartments, offices, retail and leisure space – with a landmark 17-storey building in the south-western corner of the site. Images are posted in the previous page of this thread (as far as I remember).

-> Though a number of plans have been drawn up for Horgan’s Quay – by persons including Treasury Holdings and Manor Park Homes – CIE have been dragging their heels on the process. Among the plans, one option includes up to 5000 residential units, a landmark civil amenity plaza (town square), offices, commercial (retail) street-scape/centre and new railway station. A number of high-rise (between 17 – 20-storey) landmark buildings were planned for the site. I just this morning heard that a number of private stakeholders in the development plans are drawing up an ultimatum for CIE on the site – failing which, they will be opting to focus their interests elsewhere. I don’t know how solid this information is – but I’ll get back to you if it’s not reliable. It’s about time someone dug their heels in and gave CIE a slap on the face.

Yes – development plans were in tow for Cinema World in Douglas, however, the plans have been put to one side. Cinema World will not be closing in the near future for the same reasons the Capitol Cineplex is not being redeveloped. Cinema numbers in Cork are up and ar record high-levels. Income at all of Cork’s cinemas has been substantially increased in the last few years – between 2003 and 2004 revenue increased by almost 48% (largely from increased lobby sales). The development plans for Cinema World originally did comprise of an expansion to the east (currently vacant greenfield) – it was their intention to add a further 6 screens and compete with the Omniplex at Mahon Point. These plans were abandoned fearing oversupply in the immediate area come 2005 – and subsequently, new plans were drawn up – of these I’m not clear, but I’ll look into it – however, an expansion may be yet again on the cards as a result of revised optimistic projections and rise in visit levels.

🙂 31m euro has been allocated to the the first phase of the long awaited Knocknaheeny redevelopment project. CCC have received funding (predominantly from public sources, with some private input) to begin the project – it will take a total of 7 to 9 years depending on funding – to complete. The development consists of a number of local authority housing being substantially renovated and extended, up to 501 new residential units, new community facilities, medical facilities, educational developments, shopping facilities and a remodelling of existing amenity and commercial areas.

For a more insightful visual of the plan for Knocknaheeny, visit the Urban Designers behind the project, Wain Morehead Architects, here -> http://www.wma.ie/default_files/slide0024.htm

Yeah there are plans – I think I posted a CG image of the lights for this year in an earlier post. It looks very nice I must say – subtle but nice. Predominantly trees wrapped in white-light netting. Thank heavens – no more tacky red and yellow bands from the 1960s stringing across Patrick’s Street.

😡 JD Hotels have seen their planning decision for 77/78 Grand Parade pushed back until 3rd December this year. CCC are making an awful habit of such behaviour lately.