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🙂 A plan has been launched to develop a new medical facility on the site of the former Bowen Construction HQ on the Lee Road. The 7m euro project will provide for 17 consultant suites and associated works. An application has be lodged with Cork County Council this week – construction is hoped to begin in mid-Jan 2005.
🙁 Clinton Cards who had been paying prime Zone A rents on their 1,850sq ft premises on Patrick’s Street, Cork have Closed Down their store. The UK Cards Company had been paying 4273 euros per sq m! (or 508,000 euro p.a.)
– The company cited intense competition from Hallmark, Thoughts, Porters and the many other card companies operating within the immediate area. In light of this competition plus rents (which were being reassessed and rounded up for 2005) – the company issued a statement saying competition in the city centre made for unviable sustainability for such a business. It said that it intends to forge ahead with its Mahon Point store due for a Feb 2005 launch – as this premises should allow for sole market access at this location. Clinton Cards, who are also experiencing financial turbulence at home in the UK, said that though the market was ripe in Cork for such services as they provide, it was a market that was dominated by established entities on Patrick’s Street and a market they could not successfully penetrate.
Sad news, but already, another major international store operator has been cited for the Clinton premises. Monsoon (right next store) are also rumoured to be trying to expand their highly successful store – this may provide the perfect opportunity.
🙂 JD Hotels are due to receive a decision on their plans for 77/78 Grand Parade tomorrow (Tues 19th Oct). The company plans to demolished 78 Grand Parade (retaining the facade of 77), 1,2,3,4,5,6 & 7 Tobin Street, and redeveloped the site in the form of a 4-storey restaurant and late-night bar with ancillary offices. The design is by Wilson Architecture.
Although much of the points above are entirely relevant and well-made -> I’m a little apprehensive on the formation of a ‘Cork vs Dublin’ attitude here. I think we need to adopt a proactive approach – we need to say yes, Cork has excellent potential, Cork has already many superb features – but we need to analyse the mistakes other cities have made at home and abroad and say, how do we avoid this in an effort to develop Cork as its own freestanding international centre of excellence? I admit Cork has been put at a disadvantage in many respects w.r.t. tax breaks and so forth – so our mission now should be to do something about it. I spend a lot of time going back and forth to Dublin, and it must be said that there can be a bit of a ‘there’s more than Dublin???’ attitude up sometimes – but proactive, well prepared, well supported and well presented cases speak louder than any other form of plea. Cork is my home, and I have a great confidence in the city – more than any other city in Ireland. Even standing outside Wilton Shopping Centre at 2am, with a near full car-park and Tesco full of shoppers – speaks volumes to me. It shows how affluent Cork has become and how positive the market here looks. Let’s get out there and so them all how its done!
Originally posted by Diaspora
The Jervis Centre can withstand the onslaught that will be Dundrum because it is a pleasant space to shop in.Can the Central Merchants (Quay?) centre in Cork survive O’Callaghans edge city super mall?
Todays a-list tenants are not necessarily going to be so prime in 5-10 years time fashions change the architecture remains.
A bit of tax designation for the Docklands wouldn’t be a bad idea, the IFSC model works economically if not architecturally. As rents rise occupiers expect a better looking building, that is why I am often jealous of projects in London such as the Gherkin or even the older LLyods building.
I agree the Jervis Centre is a pleasant place to shop and Project Management did a lovely job on it – with a considerate approach to its surroundings. I only pray for such consideration in the other O’Callaghan Properties retail development for Academy Street (right off Patrick’s Street) in Cork. The 6-storey over basement development will consume the entire block – the former Examiner HQ, Johnson & Perrott, Grand Circle Lounge, Taboo, TJS, Ryans and so on – and cost 150m euro (est’d). I should only hope a Jervis Centre standard is enacted. I’ll have first drafts in early Jan 2005 hopefully.
Merchants Quay was originally developed by O’Callaghan Properties, Heron Property (UK) and Treasury Holdings. It was sold a few years ago to a First Active Trust. Therefore, MQ is not O’Callaghan’s concern, Mahon Point SC (60,000sq m gross + retail park) is. And in a few years, The Academy Plaza will be his concern when CGNU or such funds buy into O’Callaghan’s stake in conjunction with Deka. The reason I list tenants, regardless of status (and I only did it once) is because it reflects the investment trends in Cork – and also displays the confidence various businesses install in the region. Even if an established retailler like Pull & Bear wish to open another store at MP, it shows the confidence they reflect in their business here.
I agree trends come and go, architecture lasts – and that is why I have never been a fan of MP’s design (despite beliefs otherwise) and would be a fan of say, Cornmarket Street Development – it is a considerate design with respect to the city centre and existing historical structures.
In addition, Ballincollig Town Centre, reflects another large scale retail SC (40,000sq m gross) and will house 3 large anchor stores in addition to 35 further retail units of varying sizes. A good tenant list has been composed.
As for Docklands Tax Designation – this issue is something I am actively involved in and it is a work in progress. I just hope our efforts succeed.
Originally posted by Diaspora
Calm Down,You must be joking to think that I would lose my cool over someone who started a thread called ‘down with An Taisce’
I ignore this thread as much as possible, wading through Jack Fagan style tenant lists is about as interesting the architecture that will contain most of them.
I only enter this discussion when you cross the line on members of an organisation that I am an active volunteer member of.
Only once have they got it wrong from the images you have presented in my opinion, that was Water St and unfortunately that one didn’t make it anyway.
I can appreciate that Cork needs new projects, but just not all of the ones on this thread are particularly wonderful. With prime office rents of 23-27 per square foot it is hardly surprising, but competitively priced space and good architecture seldom go together.
I suggest that you are more selective in what you hype.
Just for the record.
Please – if, as you point out above, you try to avoid this thread as much as possible ‘wading through Jack Fagan style tenant lists’ – then clearly, you should perhaps avoid it full-stop. This is a thread for those who have an interest in Cork developments – and for those who wish to input constructively about them, or express a view with relation to them. If you wish to knock the progress of Cork, because Dublin is so mighty, then your input is unappreciated by me for one.
This forum does not need the personal insults of a cat in a corner – you have plenty of other threads in which you can express such opinions. And if you must insult me, because that makes you feel better, do so – but take it elsewhere and make sure you are correctly informed, correctly justified and correctly aware of who I am and what it is I do before you choose to do so. I will no longer continue to engage in a tennis match of personal attacks, or attacks on my home city.
[And by ‘your true face shows’ – I wasn’t referring to your An Taisce leanings – I was referring to the nature of your attitudes and low-brow level of reply in order to justify your opinion. I have never insulted you directly in such a way – I find it disappointing you have felt this to be your only method of response.]
Reviewed the plans for Rockfell’s Cornmarket Street project, and I must say, it’s looking very well.
Leesider – the row of houses at Carmelite Place (across the road from the former Greyhound Track) were due to be demolished a rebuilt in the form of 20 student apartments with basement car-parking under 2-storeys. Permission for this was refused. The developer is in negotiation with the nearby AIB in securing their premises to establish more space (with AIB leasing a new ground floor premises) for a new as yet undisclosed application.
sw101 – I don’t usually issue contact via this website. If there is an issue you wish to discuss in particular, could you brief me on this forum or outline what business you may be interested in and I’ll issue you a reply (through your messaging service perhaps???).
As for Diaspora – you make such relevant and good arguments when you do not resort to the tone and laughable assumptions that you do quite often – especially to me. I never attack you personally and I would assume that grown-ups on these forums could respect the opinions of others. And where they do not agree with such opinions – be tall enough to look beyond them.The montage I issued was the only one I had available to me at the time. Understand that I may in this instance have a greater insight into this project than you at this particular time and don’t make foolish assumptions.
As for letting An Taisce CORCAIGH do my nimbly work for me – as you put it – I would never do such a thing, nor would I trust them to do so. I have always, at my own expense, issued an objection where I feel relevant. And observation where I also feel relevant. If I do not do it directly, I fund reports for others of a similar persuasion to do so.
As for Tellengana House – I do not live or commute in the area of its construction (another assumption) – but as a city citizen I believe I am entitled to have an opinion as to how it is developed. As is anyone else – where logic and reason are paramount in such processes.
Watergold was constructed on a brownfield site – Mahon Point in commercially zoned land. Amenity space was catered for in line with the development – sufficiently. I also have invested significantly in a number of amenity areas and greenfields for conservation purposes (particularly around the Metropolitan Green Belt) – so don’t start that route. It’s also the reason I so very much favour city centre and docklands developments – so as to continue such preservation work.
Also, I’ve never favoured Mahon Point architecturally. Please Diaspora, do your research before you feel so confident as to slam others – and when you’ve calmed down, I look forward to hearing your relevant insights (which are always appreciated as they offer an alternate perspective) once again. Pity.
:rolleyes: UCC have attained permission for their development of over 60,000 additional square footage to the existing Boole Library on the main campus. The extension is proposed to the east of the existing library and was initially refused by planners until Senior Planner Ronnie McDowell intervened following talks with UCC. A number of modifications have since been proposed to minimise visual and pedestrian disruption. Wilson Architecture are the design firm behind the huge development. I personally think extending to the southern sunk courtyard made more sense – but its good news for UCC and especially UCC Students.
🙁 The Kino Cinema has had its decision date pushed back until early December – the redevelopment will see the existing single-storey cinema demolished and rebuilt over 4 floors – the upper 3 catering for 3 new cinemas. Dennehy Design are responsible for the architecture – and they’ve done a superb job. I sincerely hope this application is granted.
-> CG Images of development are designed to reflect a project in it’s best light – to make the development more attractive to both potential customers and planners in order to get the project up and running. The reason I rarely make comments on developments outside of Cork – other than the ones I may have some involvement in – is because I can’t comment on a project I know an insufficient amount on. I think to pass an ‘okay’ based on a montage that, anyone familiar with the development will tell you, is inaccurate with relation to its environment – is a little non-sensical. I thought An Taisce (and I think it must be remember I am referring to An Taisce Corcaigh here) are supposedly Champions for a Quality Life??? Then how come, they can find fault with a project they feel ‘overshadows a warehouse reflectant of Cork’s industrial heritage’, but not a project that detracts from Cork’s fading green areas and public space? And defaces a valuable and historical Cork structure (Tellengana Lodge?). Its completely contradictory! Now, I’m not advocating ‘overshadowing’ a valuable heritage reference – but then this is the inconsistency of the organisation in Cork. And I said, they ‘object to everything except where it matters’. (The Glen, Barrack Street, Tellengana, Dunkettle House, Brideview’s proposal for Rochestown etc) A link I posted a while back, showing how An Taisce brought OSB to appeal is a good example of their behaviour – but I can get some real beauties posted in addition to that one if requested also. (I don’t have them online as of yet – some are still in the Planning Process).
Furthermore, there is no ‘Luas-style’ proposal currently on the cards – this was an article by 2 UCC lecturers in the Evening Echo and then subsequently the Irish Times about the advantages of extending the new rail-link to Midelton into Patrick’s Quay utilising existing corridors (hence a very small additional cost). I agree with them on this – I also believe provisions of space should be made on future road developments to allow the possibility of a suburban rail network – hence no need for expensive CPOs and later provision. I’ve always advocated the use of rail links over more urban motorways. We should be encouraging and investing in efficient and substantial rail or guided bus corridors in Cork.A proposal back in 1996 suggested a guided-bus corridor from Curraheen -> Bishopstown (via CIT) -> Western Road (former Greyhound Track via Victoria Cross) -> UCC Main Campus -> Washington Street -> South Mall -> City Hall (Eglinton Street) -> Kennedy Quay -> Blackrock -> Mahon Point (along existing former rail corridors). The CATS (Cork Area Transport System) was to be link-up with suburban rail services to Blarney, Blackpool, Cobh and Midelton – the plan is even referenced in the Cork City Development Plan 2004 – but so far, no-one has got the move on. CCC, being quite frank, like the idea but have no real interest in fetting involved in such a system for the time-being. That’s a real shame. A number of private investors are continuing to assess the idea – but a number of cost complications and pathetic restrictions have been laid-down by CCC (they should be supporting it – its not costing them anything and its giving Cork a decent off-the-road transport system). Issues of cost and return are the predominant delay factors.
But now a beautiful estate and gardens have been replaced by an office block in an area completely inappropriate for such a development. The road, as anyone who knows Blackrock Road will tell you, is so narrow, traffic regularly has to pull into the side to allow on-coming traffic pass. The estate lodge was demolished, and existing structures to the rear of the development (which date back to 1890) are overshadowed by the office block. This CG image can input non-existing trees all it wants for the sake of presentation – they don’t exist, many have been removed for the development – furthermore, somethings are just not right. I suppose you have to be familiar with the lodge, estates and suburb to understand the entirity.
🙂 On a far more positive note – for those interested in what the new Kino Cinema development for Washington Street is due to look like (planning pending – the decision is due on Thursday 14th of Oct 2004) – visit http://www.ddesign.ie/projects.htm -> then go to the 3rd button under the title ‘Community’ and click on Load Images.I have to say, the development looks superb. Considering the space the new development is due on, it has been well utilised – it falls in line with the same height as other buildings neighbouring it (instead of the existing ground floor only) and brings a dynamic swing to an area undergoing exciting development.
For those of you who unaware of the development at Tellengana Lodge, on the Blackrock Road, Cork – SHUL Developers are financing the development of a 4-storey 60,000sq ft office building on the grounds of Tellengana Lodge. Bowen Construction have erected a tower crane on site already and construction is making serious headway. The design is by Wilson Architecture – see below.
Although I welcome such investment – my problem with this sort of development is that it’s another contemporary project that utilises the existing grounds of fabulous old-style houses and estates in and around Cork city. Though I’m sure it must make a wonderful working environment, I strongly dislike the idea of these big modern developments springing up on the grounds of fine old estates – especially in leafy residential suburbs, as Tellengana Lodge is a part of. We should be protecting and perserving these fine old estates – and maintaining these few remaining green areas. How come An Taisce Corcaigh didn’t object to this eh???
Another such development is the one O’Flynn Construction have planned for Dunkettle Estate in the Glanmire suburban region. Now I’ve great time for O’Flynn Construction as generally they are one of the most architecturally and socially minded development companies around – and they display a strong standard in their projects – however, reaping fine leafy and green grass estate grounds in favour of a 300m euro project with 600 houses and apartment blocks and so on – in my opinion is shameful. The same applies to Sean Keohane (Grangefield Developments) plans for the Arbutus Lodge and Cumnor Construction’s plans for Sunday’s Well. I protest against such projects.
Office buildings such as the one at Tellengana should be focused in the city centre and the spectacular opportunities offered by the Cork Docklands and surrounding areas. Just today I walked a number of development sites in this vicinity and it simply reinforced my belief in this. The area around Copley Street, Lapps Quay, Eglinton Street, Union Quay and Albert Quay will look amazing on the completion of developments by the likes of O’Flynn (at Lapps Qy & Eglinton St), Howard Holdings (Lapps Qy, Anglesea St & Albert Qy), Corbett Bros (Parnell Place & Copley St) & so on. Furthermore Lavitts Quay, the Coal Quay, Camden Quay and Carrolls Quay are emerging as faboulous office and residential development areas. Its a shame on CCC for its poor encouragement of developments in these areas (with some shoddy planning decisions) and a shame on An Taisce Corcaigh for finding problems with everything except where it matters.
CCC need to support developments like Water Street, like 21 Lavitts Quay, like Eglinton Street and so on. These are developments of a high standard and architectural nature. I reject parts of the argument that its because of CCCs stringent planning laws that development standards in Cork have dramatically increased – in part this is true – but look at Victoria Mills, looks at their decision on the Arbutus Lodge, look at their own development works at The Glen and Barrack Street! Their own developments are of a dismal architectural standard – how can they demand so much of others when they can’t lead by example?
In Cork, the height of buildings in areas such as Victoria Cross, the docklands and surroundings – should not be points of rejection as long as their standard is strong and purpose both useful and sustainable – like Eglinton Street, like Water Street, like Jurys, Lavitts Quay, Cornmarket Street and Washington Street. These are good projects – and most be encouraged to show developers the way to go in future. These areas are outside the city core centre – however this core I agree should not stem above a 9 storey max in Zone 2 [bounding Jurys, Cornmarket Street, Georges Quay, Lapps Quay and Patrick’s Quay] or a 6-storey max in Zone 1 [Patrick’s Street, South Mall, North Main Street, Oliver Plunkett Street and Parnell Place].
Protect our few precious estates, protect our high-standard leafy resdiential suburbs and encourage further development in the city centre and docklands – even if that means building up to utilise the limited space. The standard of architecture should determine a development more than the argument of height.
*UPDATES*
🙂 UCC have indicated their intention to begin preliminary work soon on their Western Road (former Greyhound Track) IT Campus – already permitted. the 15,000sq m + development of 3-storeys will be one of the most advanced centres in Europe. In addition, extensive landscaping will be initiated with a focus on the river. This will include a continuation of the riverside walk and boardwalk as far as College Gates. It will link up with the amenity walk as part of the Victoria Mills, which links up with the amenity walk and bridge as part of the Rathmelton Investments development at the Kingsley Hotel, which in turn links up with the Lee Fields. At College Gates, Riga Limited (O’Callaghan Properties) Jury’s Hotel development will pick up the walk with their riverside boardwalk leading all the way into Lancaster Quay and Washington Street.-> Ultimately, the grand plan will see a riverside walk and boardwalk extending from Eden Hall student development, through to the Lee Fields, along the Curragheen River from the Kingsley to Victoria Mills, along the UCC IT Campus, through the main UCC Campus and Lewis Glucksman Art Gallery to the Jurys Hotel development and into Washington Street. It continues then from South Main Street as part of the boardwalk element to the Kenny Group development on the Citi-Car Park facility, along South Mall to Lapps Quay (the first half of which CCC are suppose to redevelop in the coming months), to the City Quarter end of Lapps Quay (compliments of Howard Holdings), and along Custom House Quay (in line for development plans). 2 new pedestrian bridges (1 to Horgans Quay, 1 to Albert Quay) will then link up with boardwalks on either of these quays. One the main docklands commercial centre, the other leading down to Werdna’s Water Street development boardwalk. In addition, a walk will also stem from the Kingsley, through along the Mardyke Walk, along Fitzgearld’s Park and from the Mardyke Fields, a new pedestrian bridge (currently under construction at Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast – installation by Fleming Construction at cost of 1m euro) will link across to a boardwalk along the Distillery Fields at the North Mall (recently purchased jointly by the Mercy University Hospital and UCC for development).
Originally posted by Paul Clerkin
Unfotunately? Surely a functioning cinema in the city centre is better than another office development? You don’t want the entire nightlive of the city centre to revolve around pubs – you need a variety of entertainment sources.
I think why I said ‘unforntunately’ is due to the fact that one proposal would have opened up Grand Parade and the city centre to that variety of entertainment sources you indicated. The ice-rink was to be surround by an artificial street-scape on which a number of innovative food outlets/juice bars etc were earmarked. The upper levels would have housed a nightclub and unique theme-bars over looking the late-night rink. A London Trocadero centre style operation was hinted at. I just believed that this kind of facility would be far more attractive and imaginative than yet another cinema. Cinemas are often as imaginative as developers get when it comes to leisure and services. Plus, the city centre already has the Gate Multiplex and the Kino Cinema on Washington Street is set to triple in size through its reconstruction and addition of 3-further floors. The idea of a lively, pedestrian friendly city centre leisure and entertainment centre just appealed to me and its unfortunate to see such proposals lost. The Capitol ain’t pretty at the best of times and is seriously dated. The site is also zoned in the Cork City Development Plan 2004 for higher-order retail development. Joe Gavin (City Manager) has even expressed his disappointment at the Ward Anderson decision.
*UPDATES*🙂 Cleary Doyle have begun preliminary construction work on the 32m euro Cork City Hall extension (see previous posts) – designed by ABK Architects.
🙁 Ward Anderson have announced that they intend to maintain the Capitol Cineplex operation for the foreseeable – as a result of increased sales activity, and other issues. For the time being, the 50-year old cineplex will undergo a respectable refurbishment process.
As previously reported, Ward Anderson had been investigating the redevelopment of the highly valuable site – in conjunction with private developers. A number of plans had been reviewed – among which incl. a substantial 6-storey over dual basement retail and leisure development w/ 25 large, open plan retail units, a possible ice-rink, bars and as many as 2 nightclubs. Another plan – which apparently was submitted for planning – included a large retail and office development over 5 and 1/2 floors – with a basement, ground, first and second floor retail centre and 3rd, 4th and 5th floor office area. A split level cafe opening out onto a rooftop garden was also proposed.
So, unfortunately, no definite news is expected on this site for some time now. Although I am still informed that development proposals will continue to be assessed. In the meantime, Ward Anderson are forging ahead with their 11-screen Omniplex at Mahon Point SC.
Here, below, is an image of Phase 1 of the Camden Court development by OSB on Carroll’s Quay. This image doesn’t do the entire development much justice (as anyone that viewed the image posted earlier of the entire development will tell you). Phase 2 – which will include 55 apartments, a new 110 seat arts theatre, Pa Johnsons Public House and dominating roof-top gardens and play-areas – was just recently greenlighted by ABP after appeal. Development of this 6-storey Phase 2 will begin in early November (subject to permission for an extended theatre from CCC).
The huge extension to the Kingsley Hotel with adjoining aparthotel and 116-student apartment development by Rathmelton Investments, designed by Murray O’Laoire, is making serious headway. O’Flynn Building & Civil Engineering of Banteer, Cork (not to be confused with O’Flynn Construction) are the main building contractors. It seems like a very large development for such a small firm.A restaurant would be great up there – if only I could convince them. Suppose I’ll just have to save that idea for myself someday!!! Less competition that way! 🙂
NOTE: To view this image of the development at Eglinton Street by O’Flynn Construction, highlight – cut – and paste the link into your address bar and press enter.
http://www.corkdevelopments.bravehost.com/ofcesgp.jpg
I intend to get more images of this development (incl. quayside aspect) soon. If possible – with Howard Holdings development included.The quayside aspect is most noticeable for its copper-tinged facade, especially facing City Hall – with which it is suppose to compliment the hall’s famous copper rotunda. Large windows stretch the height of the building facing out onto a new street-scape between the development and rear of new Howard Holdings IT/office building on Albert Quay, and Doyle Family warehouses (which have also been earmarked for a substantial docklands development).
We can take it as a given that An Taisce will object – they will most probably cite overshadowing and ‘negative’ visual impact the O’Flynn proposal will have on City Hall due to it’s ‘excessive’ height. They may also claim it would be ‘damaging’ to the warehousing on Albert Quay (due for demolition anyway) which are among few reminiscents of Cork’s heritage associated with industry and rail. Albert Road’s former Railway Station will also probably be targeted.
Nearby residents will cite visual intrusion due to excessive height – although I understand their concerns, the slender nature of the building minimises any visual disruption. The fact that Douglas Road and Jewtown residencies are predominantly road facing and thus face away from the project probably will fall on deaf resident ears.
I think the height of the building is a non-issue in light of the fact that it is fitting to the area with respect to a strategic outlook. Its a landmark in the positive sense – not Victoria Mills sense (shudder!), and that it is not excessive but is slender.
I hope it works out well!
The next 2 big planning decision announcements are for the UCC Boole Library Extension and redevelopment of Kino Cinema on Washington Street.
I don’t have any links for the Cornmarket Street development yet, but I’ll try and find some suitable images. I’ll be in contact with Rockfell soon and ask them or the architect (Niall Coffey of Frank Ennis and Assoc) to send me on some graphics.
And yes, Tumblegate Ltd are proceeding with the Father Matthew Quay development – with Joseph Lane & Sons Ltd the main contractors – however before primary construction can begin, a number of structural reinforcement issues have to be resolved in the interests of safety at the old Mill Building. This is currently proceeding.
*UPDATES*🙂 Frinailla Developments have applied for permission to demolish all existing buildings from 43 to 52 Watercourse Road and begin subsurface investigations. Frinailla plan during this work to resubmit a new, mildly adjusted application for a major community based residential and commercial development. The original proposal was refused by ABP. The estimated value of the development is 50m euro.
🙂 Ward Anderson are expected to make an announcement soon with relation to their plans for the Capitol Cineplex site on Grand Parade – this comes after they lodged an application to CCC to begin fitting out their new 11-screen multiplex at Mahon Point SC – due to open Feb 2005. One of their plans was to develop a significant, landmark retail facility of 6-storeys over basement – however other options may yet be decided.
What a day for Cork developments!
🙂 Well here you have it – after months of waiting, O’Flynn Construction have formally launched their development plans for Eglinton Street – next to City Hall (former An Post Sorting Office purchased last Feburary for 15m euro).
The development will consist of a 17-storey, 70 metre southern gateway apartment building with 43 large and luxurious apartments. The 17-storey glass & copper coated building will be part of a larger 217-unit residential development, 42,000sq ft retail development, creche, gym, offices and 550 underground parking spaces over 2-levels (which will also serve No.5 and No.6 Lapps Quay). Frank O’Mahony of Wilson Architecture is responsible for the design.
The est’d cost of the development has been revised from 62m euros to just under 80m euros – despite certain media reports stating a higher value.
O’Flynn Construction had been in intense negotiation with CCC about such a development – who agreed to the idea in theory. A planning application will be lodged before the week end.
As I mentioned in an earlier post – I’m a little disappointed with the retail element of the development, I had been hoping and nagging O’Flynn Construction for a larger ‘shopping mall’ style retail element but in the end they settled for 32,000sq ft allocated to bulky retailling and 3 smaller units aimed at convenience style stores.
I’ll try and get images up soon. The project will provide a southern gateway along the South City Link, as County Hall provides a Western gateway and Werdna’s Water Street will provide an Eastern gateway landmark building. All we need now is a northern gate!
It’s an interesting project – and will provide a great entrance to the southern docklands area – which will be seeing a few more high-rise proposals in the near future. This area of the city – and entrance to the docklands is making great development headway – huge projects like this O’Flynn development, No.5 & No.6 Lapps Quay. Howard Holdings’ City Quarter, Copley Hall and Albert Quay developments, Corbett Bros. substantial office building on Copley Street and the new Cork School of Music (which has yet again been delayed in construction until at least Novemeber) and a number of other exciting pipeline projects waiting in the wings.
More good news!🙂 It’s been a great day for Cork city development – with the grant of permission to Rockfell Investments large retail and residential development on Cornmarket Street and now the announcement of O’Flynn’s innovative 17-storey Gateway Project for Eglinton Street. The new 70 metre building will be taller than both County Hall and the Water Street development (which are 66metres and 69metres respectively) – when complete, it will be the tallest building in the country (assuming it is completed before the Heuston Gate building in Dublin). This will lead to Cork holding the title for Ireland’s 3 tallest buildings.
🙂 And just a quick note on the Water Street development – I can now confirm to you that developers Werdna Ltd withdrew their application based on issues of density – not height. In an effort to allow for more open space and amenity areas within the development, architects Murray O’Laoire are now investigating increasing the height of main tower element of the project. Murray O’Laoire will address the fact that projects for Eglinton Street and Horgan’s Quay are both substantially taller than the Water Street proposal – and with proper consultation, plan to increase the tower height by anything up to 6 storeys – perhaps, as this has not been confirmed but is only at an investigative stage. Other options may see a reduction in the number of residential units from 400 to possibly 300 – in order to address density issues.
*UPDATES*
🙂 Ward Anderson as Omniplex Cork Ltd have lodged an application with CCC for the installation of external signage and associated multiplx fitouts at their new 11-screen multiplex at Mahon Point SC. This is full confirmation of my earlier posts a few months back that Ward Anderson had won the contract to operate the multiplex at the development.🙂 Rockfell Investments (Micheal O’Donoghue of the Munster Joinery and O’Donoghue/Ring Hotels) have been granted planning permission for their apartment and retail/department store development at Cornmarket Street. The development will consist of 65 apartments and over 120,000sq ft of retail/department store space throughout a huge, 35m euro 6-storey building, over basement (with 65 car-parking spaces). Joe Gavin, City Manager has said he hopes construction on the project will get going straight away. Confirmation of this is expected by Rockfell within the next day.
The development will be the first catalyst to a major rejuvenation of the famous but wore-down city centre street – and provide a major retail boost to this Western end of Patrick’s Street – as so much of the commercial activity is concentrated currently at the eastern end.
This is great news for Cork – after the disappointment of Werdna’s Water Street withdrawl (though it will be resubmitted), and the delay in Further Information by John Mannix for his eagerly awaited Washington Street development. The next big retail development is expected to be formally announced soon by O’Flynn Construction for their Eglinton Street site.
Let’s just all hope Rockfell get their project going soon – as no objections have been raised to the modifications made in the Significant Further Information submission. In fact, the Coal Quay Traders Association forwarded a supportive observation! I’ve read through the report and it looks very favourably on the whole project! Rockfell and Niall Coffey of Frank Ennis & Assoc have put an awful lot of work into getting this project right. Well done Rockfell!
For those of you shocked and/or laughing at the idea of a 40m monument dead-bang in the centre of Cork city – believe, crazier ideas have been through the planning process in Cork before. In comparison, the idea of a monument is far more believable than some of these beauties.
First there is Sean Meehan’s plans for a 3-storey multi-storey car park with commercial units at Grenville Place (adjacent to the Mercy University Hospital and NMRC). Fine you may say – however, this development isn’t so normal when you consider the fact that it is to be built on stilts over a bend in the River Lee – with a vehicular access bridge linking it to the quays. Even more bizarre, the original proposal was for the car-park to be built under the river! A planning decision is due soon on the plans. The architect is John Paul Lennon – an architect linked to an even more bizarre proposal…
…In 1998, an application was lodged with the then Cork Corporation for the construction of for a shopping arcade/mall and 48 apartments over 5-storeys in Cork city centre. The thing was that the plan was to build the complex on a bridge spanning the Lee from Patrick’s Quay to Anderson’s Quay (the Bus Station). Cork’s own Rialto – only bigger eh? The application was lodged under the name Maria Lennon, John Paul’s wife. It was ultimately refused.
But my personal favourite, an unknown developer, devised plans for a 40-storey skyscraper along the Cork Docklands back in 1999. The proposal was to see a 6-storey commercial, retail and leisure facility from the basement to 5 floor. Offices from the 6 to 20th floor, a hotel from 21th to 30th floor, apartments 31 to 39th floor and a 40th storey 360 degree restaurant and cocktail bar. A public platform and ‘cocktail garden’ were proposed for the roof-top – on which also was found a search-light (reminiscent of a lighthouse [and based on the Transco Tower in Houston, TX] TO reflect Cork’s maritime history). Primitive drawings were made by an US-based architect – no formal application was ever filed, or developer revealed. But if I ever get the drawings, I’ll put them up someday.
After all that, a monument doesn’t seem too bad. But I do agree with theblimp, in that we need to be focused on pull-factors for tourism – Cork has SO much unrealised potential and its a shame. A monument may be ‘pretty’ – but unless it is something truly exceptional, it’s not going to make Cork the tourist haven it dreams of being.
In light of the many press articles and recent statistics – a number of Cork developers are apparently discussing options to invest in a landmark structure that will make Cork city centre stand-out at an international level and hopefully encourage tourist activity in the future. Though this is all pie-in-the-sky, one or two proposals centre around the construction of a landmark 40m high monument – most likely a statue commemorating Cork’s history and rebel spirit. A number of city centre sites have been sussed out but no proposals have yet been made to CCC. The monument, in the words of one developer, ”will have people laughing at the Spire in Dublin, walking away from the Eye in London and comparing it to that of the Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House”. (ahem!) The idea is that subsequent and related tourist and service activities will benefit strategically from this non-profit (direct profit) venture. It would be interesting to see how CCC react to such a proposal. I’ll wait anxiously to see some drawings – but it’s an interesting, if not, far-out idea. But maybe its that sort of thinking the city centre could do with more often.
*UPDATES*🙂 For those of you who have waited patiently on an announcement for Ballincollig Town Centre SC tenants (an original announcement was due in July 2004), fear not – O’Flynn Construction have confirmed an article in the Irish Independent that their 18,000sq m + shopping centre development at BTC, with 3 anchor store units, 13-street front stores and 23 internal store units – has secured anchors for the 2 larger units, plus a number of other exciting retaillers for smaller units. O’Flynn Construction said they will formally announced the main anchor tenant shortly, followed by the second anchor (after some conditions had been ironed out).
🙂 After the announcement that Argos Extra, Atlantic Homecare and Lifestyle Sports would occupy the new Blackpool Park development – developers the Shipton Group, 2 further deals have been struck with major retaillers for 2 additional units. The details of these will be announced in the coming weeks also. Reel Cinemas are currently fitting out the 7-screen multiplex at Blackpool Park at a cost of 6m euro.
🙂 The new EastGate Retail Park on Little Island, developed by O’Flynn Construction, has announced that its motor-mall element of 6 dealerships – will be anchored by a Renault Dealership.
