lexington
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Marble & Lemon building at Emmet Place – rarely mentioned, small but beautiful.
There are are number of buildings along South Mall that stand-out. City Hall has its moments. Plus those old department store buildings like Burtons, what is now Brown Thomas, Roches Stores and the former Grant Building all along Patrick’s Street (most designed by Foster & Grant) are all noteworthy. But St. Finbarr’s is by far the biggest eye-catcher.
New entries I think are noteworthy are the UCC Student Centre extension, No.5 Lapps Quay, RCI Building in Mahon, Estuary Court at Rochestown and Mercy University Hospital on Grenville Place. Lewis Glucksman Gallery, UCC – Coppinger Court and Tony Macken’s small but stand-out apartment building on Henry Street.
-> The NSC Campus at Mahon, of which stage one is complete, houses and nurtures a number of start-up and IT facilities. Howard Holdings also have plans drawn up for a 15m euro, 5-storey IT/Business Centre along Albert Quay (on a site donated by CCC) which will incorporate Albert House (parking fines centre). The centre is directly opposite Howard Holdings new City Quarter development. No formal application will be lodged in the immediate future however. Also UCC intend to construct a large, 3-storey IT facility on the site of the former Greyhound Track along the Western Road – there are suggestions that UCC may combine this facility with their proposed new Business Centre/School.
NSC Campus, Phase 1 at Mahon, Cork city-> As for a new town along the Bandon Road – a large residential development had been proposed originally in 1996 for near Crossbarry by O’Brien & O’Flynn Homes, with over 300 units, commercial units (small retail centre) and amenity facilities. However this was refused by Cork County Council. Another residential proposal was made by the same firm in 1999, but it went no-where beyond a Further Info request that was never honoured. There was no proposal of a ‘town’ so to speak, but a large residential development.
The Blarney proposal of up to 2,000 residential units was made by the Fleming Group – however no permission has yet been satisfactorily secured as of yet.
🙂 Cain White Piling & Foundations Ltd have commenced preliminary work on-site at the Kingsley Hotel at Victoria Cross/Carrigrohane Straight Road. The work heralds the beginning of construction for the Rathmelton Investments 50m euro hotel, aparthotel and student accomodation development – designed by Murray O’Laoire.
The development will provide one of the largest student developments in, not only Cork, but the country as a whole – with 116 apartments (515 bedrooms) in an arrangement of 5-storey buildings totalling 14068sq m (over 151,000sq ft), 840sq m (9,000sq ft) of retail, restaurant and laundry facilities, over 10,000sq m (101,000sq ft) of extension space for 82 additional bedrooms to the Kingsley Hotel, 10,000sq ft of new conference facilities, 6,000sq ft of additional leisure facilities, a new 19-unit aparthotel and a massive, 2-level basement for over 740 car-parking spaces. A riverside amenity walk and recreation area will also form part of the development.
The first line of student residencies are expected to come on-stream for the UCC academic year 2005/6.
😉 Meanwhile, directly across the road from the Kingsley Hotel, Michael & James O’Driscoll, owners of the Village Student Complex are pressing ahead with their 17 apartment extension to the existing facility.*UPDATES*
🙂 City Manager Joe Gavin has reportedly given the hint that Rockfell Investments Cornmarket Street Retail and Residential Development will be green-lighted. He sights the importance of the project and a hope that the project will come under construction as soon as possible. My own indications confirm that Rockfell is being championed by many at Navigation House (the Planning Dept) – although there are a number of conditions associated with the grant. I never get too confident about these things – but it is looking very favourable. The renewed design submitted in a Significant Further Information report to the CCC from Frank Ennis & Assoc on behalf of Rockfell Investments has won me over far more than the original plan. Although it could have been so much more.
🙁 O’Callaghan Properties (Riga Limited) have seen the decision date on their application for a huge development at the Jurys Hotel site on the Western Road in Cork pushed back until the 16th December 2004. Such a move was pretty much expected. The original decision date was due for the 10th of October (next week). The application is having a bumpy ride through planning – but it seems to have its champions at City Hall. With the number of objections lodged against the project, a grant may see the development brought before ABP. Its a shame really, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
:confused: Werdna Ltd and Murray O’Laoire have expressed their disappointed at having to withdraw their Water Street application – and have made an ever so slight critique of the planning process. However, they said their decision to withdraw rather than face refusal shows that they are committed to establishing such a landmark docklands development. Murray O’Laoire said that they intend to keep a landmark, highrise tower as part of the development – and also said both they and the developers will fight to maintain the same height of tower as in the original proposal. However other development aspects need to be addressed – in particular traffic management issues. This being so, Werdna do not expect to submit a new application until the start of next year, 2005.
🙂 Frinailla Developments Ltd intend to re-submit a new application, albeit scale-down, for their Blackpool Residential and Commercial development on the Watercourse Road. The development will closely resemble their original plan but has a number of design alterations to reduce overall height – among the predominant reasons the application was originally refused by CCC and ABP.
As promised, I have here an image of the proposed 100m euro Carrigaline Town Centre project – which has just be lodged for permission with Cork County Council. The developers are Barry Collins and Clayton Love, through their company Piton Properties.
http://corkdevelopments.bravehost.com/ppctc.jpgAlso, below is an image of the OSB (Neil O’Sullivan of Aceville Construction/Investments) development on Carroll’s Quay/Camden Quay/Knapps Square. I have referred to this project in a prior post above. The 2nd Phase of this development was just greenlighted by ABP after objection from An Taisce. The 1st phase of the development is already under construction (Phase 1 is the lower level section to the right of the image). Architect is James Leahy & Assoc. Building Contractors are John F. Supple Ltd.
http://corkdevelopments.bravehost.com/osbcqd.jpg:rolleyes: I apologise for the quality of these images, as my scanner is never up to much, even on a good day – and the graphics attained by me from the developers and architects are too large to load to any one server/host.
The host of the development images is now refusing to permit remote links. To view the images, copy & paste the links into your address bar – then press enter.
Well today should have been the day we received word on the planning decision for Water Street – but as previously reported (and reported exclusively) – developers Werdna Ltd withdrew their application a day before the decision with an intention of resubmitting a similar proposal with a few amendments.
I sincerely hope the 19-storey tower at the centre of the development isn’t sacrificed, it would provide an excellent eastern gateway into Cork city – as County Hall provides such a gateway to the west.
But for those of you left disappointed about Water Street, I have some hopefully positive news about a potential development I reported on not so long ago for the site of the Capitol Cineplex on Washington Street/Grand Parade…
…I am well informed that Ward Anderson are negotiating with developers the possibility of transforming the cineplex site into a first-rate shopping venue (see previous post). Initial reports indicated a 6-storey over basement retail centre with bars, nightclubs and basement ice-rink. Although some revisions have been made to these plans – the centre is to be aimed at the mid to upper retail market (e.g. a retailler like Sisley, H&M or Espirit and so on). The development will be designed to provide a landmark, world-class structure providing an impressive view when looked at down along Washington Street. Although nothing is yet set in stone – I thought it might be a source of cheering up after Water Street (at least until the new application is submitted). Other options being considered by Ward Anderson include simply selling the site altogether to a private developer and maintaining no involvement. 2 developers I am aware of have tried for the site (also with retail plans) but have been told they faced ‘Deal Agreed’. This status will remain until Ward Anderson confrim their intentions with the site. You won’t get this news anywhere else.
”the project was withdrawn in order to submit a new scheme in the near future.
We have been in a period of intense negotiation with the Planning Authority since it was lodged in May last. There were a number of aspects of the scheme that were particular sticking points that the Planning Authority felt that could not be dealt with by means of conditions or additional information, so therefore , we opted to withdraw the scheme and return with a new one rather than accept a refusal. The basic concept, design, scale of the development will be more or less the same, however, it is hoped that CCC will be in a better position to support the new scheme as we believe in going forward to An Bord Pleanala(which with a scheme of such a scale is almost inevitable)with a positive response from the local Authority.”– from Murray O’Laoire Architects
*UPDATES*🙂 Developers Barry Collins and Clayton Love’s company Piton Properties have announced their detailled plans for a 100m euro Carrigaline Town Centre project. The project will include a large multiplex, town square, shopping district, showrooms, public amenity area, bowling complex, offices, entertainment centre, 900 covered car parking spaces and riverside walk. The development will be constructed on the site of the former Carrigaline Pottery complex and a parcel of 26-acres adjoining. I’ll have images up soon.
🙂 Coffey Construction have erected a tower crane on site over the Corbett Bros. large office and residential development on Copley Street signalling the commencement of primary construction. The development will consist of 75 basement car parking spaces (revised by CCC from 93 spaces), a ground floor commercial restaurant and gym, 5640sq m of office space and 38 apartments.
After a brief discussion with the developers and architects – it seems that the original Water Street plan rose a number of sticking points with which the Planning Authority could not find any reasonable compromise with the developer. The application was withdrawn as to avoid a possible refusal – as it is the intention of Werdna to resubmit a revised application in the very near future of a similar scale and design. The architect assures me that the unique features that were so central to the original submission (i.e. the 19-storey centrepiece tower) will remain incorporated into the new application. I’m anxious to view the new application and see where it differs. Watch this space.
(and yes I am aware that is the worst subject heading ever – I shocked myself typing it!)
To the surprise of many, especially myself, the developers – Werdna Ltd – and architects of the Water Street project (Murray O’Laoire) withdrew their planning application for the landmark development with only a day before a decision was due.
The application was launched to a fanfare almost 6 months ago and had been expected to receive a decision tomorrow (Wednesday 29th of September 2004). I have to say I’m very disappointed and will be in contact with the developers for an insight into such a move. I’ll keep you posted when I find out the entirety of the details involved.
🙁
🙂 Pierse Contractors today erected a tower crane over the UCC School of Pharmacy site on College Road, this marks the initiation of primary construction on the long awaited project. Completion of the 3-storey, 60,000sq ft development is due for late next year.
🙂 One of the most exciting projects to get going near the docklands is making real headway. The Corbett Bros. office and residential development on Copley Street (just across Cotter Street from the new Howard Holdings development of offices (incl. Anglo Irish Bank’s new regional HQ) and residential units, designed by Scott Tallon Walker (who also have taken up offices in the development). The new Corbett Bros. development was designed by PRC Architects Ireland and is being built by Coffey Construction. The components of a new tower crane are on site ready for imminent erection – this will help complete the 2 new 5-storey office/residential blocks planned for the site, linked together over a central courtyard by a 5th storey physical link.
🙁 On a slightly less inspiring note, CCC have pushed the decision date for Aldi Developments retail and 48 duplex development on Tory Top Road, Cork back until an unprecendented date of 20/6/2005!!! This is a very odd move by CCC – this will see the application in the planning process with CCC for almost a full year – and that’s before any possible ABP appeals!
REMEMBER: 3 DAYS REMAIN UNTIL THE WATER STREET DEVELOPMENT’S DECISION DATE IS DUE FOR WERDNA LTD. Keep your fingers crossed this Wednesday!*UPDATES*
-> For those of you familiar with the classic Cork night-venue, the Maltings Emporium, Mardyke Tavern and Club FX complex, after 8 months on the marketplace and an initial tender price of 4m euro, the facility has been sold to UK (Newcastle) based Ultimate Leisure (Ireland) Ltd for 5m euros. Ultimate Leisure own 28 night-venues across the UK and 4 in Northern Ireland. They plan to exstensively renovate the complex before re-opening it early next year (subject to a possible planning application). Former owner, Frank Sheahan of FV Sheahan Auctioneers on Marlboro Street, had decided to sell the complex to focus on his property development career – which so far includes the Lancaster Hall student complex on Lynch Street (adjacent to the Maltings), and with Joe Carey (developer of the 100m euro Fota Island Retail Park and Business Complex), a number of large apartment and commercial buildings at Hewitt Mills along the Blackpool By-Pass.
-> On a related note, rumour has it, that Frank Sheahan, who had been using the services of PJ Hegarty Contractors for his Lancaster Hall and Blackpool By-Pass/Assumption Road apartment development (designed by JE Keating in a 7-storey semi-circular, red-brick shape) has opted for Rohcon to develop the new row of apartment buildings adjacent to the JE Keating designed block. This is evident from the erection of the Rohcon tower crane on site earlier this month. The apparent reason is down to the fact that the developer had fallen out with PJ Hegarty after the firm failed to meet a completion deadline of September for the Lancaster Hall project, which was due to receive residents at the start of the university academic year. The project is yet to be complete and as a result, the developer will not be able to receive rents in full until the following academic year – unless students can be persuaded otherwise. Either way, it could be very difficult. Rohcon have begun the construction of 44 new apartments on the Hewitt Mills site, which will see a line of between 4 and 6 storey buildings erected.
-> At Carroll’s Quay, OSB (Neil O’Sullivan) has been granted permission after ABP appeal for Phase 2 of his residential, theatre and licensed bar development. ABP granted permission for 49 of the proposed 55 apartments, along with new Cork Arts Theatre and Pa Johnsons pub. A suggestion was made by ABP to extend either the theatre or bar through the ommission of 3 ground floor apartments. The project, Phase 1 and Phase 2 are designed by James Leahy & Assoc.
– for those of you who think I knock An Taisce Corcaigh too often and unfairly, the CCC and ABP reports on their objections to this OSB Phase 2 project offer very good justification for my complaining and clearly display their petty behaviour in Cork (although, and I can assure you, this report is one of their better ones. An Taisce objections are often far more ludicrous.) To read this very common sensical report by ABP and CCC. Follow this link -> http://planning.corkcity.ie/letters/upload/25092004-J69H-210333Tp27769.doc
– a few years ago, a similar project was refused permission by ABP on this same site (at the time being developed by Carroll’s Quay Development Group). The architects were O’Riordan Staehli. Here’s an image of what could have gone up had there been no refusal. Note, the surroundings have VASTLY changed since with numerous office and apartment buildings having been erected in the immediate surrounding areas.
The new OSB development greenlighted is noted in the report for its striking and likeable design.
Just in response to burge_eye’s above remark -> Howard Holdings have developed a 200 bedroom hotel, operated by Choice Hotels under the Clarion brand, for Lapps Quay. Lance Investments have been recently refused planning by ABP for a 232-bedroom hotel on the Lee Road. Michael O’Donoghue (Rockfell Investments) were refused by ABP after grant from CCC for the development of a 9-storey 400 bedroom hotel on Cornmarket Street – and 2 other very prominent developments are considering the addition of 100 more bedrooms to their hotel elements (one being operated by Hilton) of 150 bedrooms each. I don’t think viability is the question – which makes the reduction in numbers at Jurys even more curious. However I do agree about the naivity of space maximisation by Dan Boyle – it makes logical sense for a developer to maximise it. However, his objection is related to traffic movements in the area – and I do take his point, the Western Road/Lancaster Quay/Washington Street is exceptionally congested even at the best of times. Riga Ltd will have to carefully consider its traffic management options for the Jurys site. 2 bridges will serve the development and the majority of parking will be residential, hopefully the city centre location will encourage public transport and walking means.At the end of the day, were I to decide, I would most likely favour this development – for reasons of aesthetics, regeneration, jobs and in-line with some of the Cork City Development Plan principles – however (and I never ever thought I’d find myself in agreement with a Green Party TD), I have to say, I have an air of suspicion about this project. The current number of rooms in Jurys Hotel Cork is 185 (159 Standard, 23 Executive, 2 Junior Suites and 1 Presidential). The new development proposes a hotel of 182 bedrooms (3 fewer) and 303 luxury apartments. Though I deem the design of the project acceptable, the economics is curious. If Jurys had intended to extend its operations in Cork (as declared in Feburary 2004), why is it in fact reducing its own capacity? And furthermore, reducing its direct investment policy in the city? (Preferring a more removed lease basis at 2m euro p.a.). Furthermore, with 84% of all large scale construction in Cork related to apartments (currently almost 2,000 of which in planning or in mid-construction, are aimed squarely at the luxury market – i.e. 285,000euros and up) is the addition of a further 303 luxury end apartments at this location truly viable? Of the 325,000 metropolitan Cork and 498,000 greater Cork city area citizens, how many can afford in excess of 285,000euros each for over 2,000 current and an additional 2,500 projected luxury end apartments? Thats 4,500 city centre apartments spaces all in excess of 285,000 euros – and not including car parking spaces which range in Cork city anywhere between 25,000 to 80,000 euros. Residential Demand in Cork city remains above average, although the majority of this demand (65%) is among lower to middle income persons. A recent article in the Irish Examiner stated that waiting lists and demand as a whole had increased – this is true, but the main increase was among the aforementioned income groups, which found that new market supply was being provided at a sale price above their sustainable repayment levels. As prices continue to increase more and more persons find themselves applying for more affordable and often sub-standard accomodation. I support Riga Ltd’s proposal on the basis, that such a large-scale investment requires extensive market research and clearly, at some level, the market must be egging them on. Although my own research has found such a demand, it is a far more controlled demand than these large-scale developments seem to represent. I support any project that will bring greater residency back into the city, but to do this, building accomodation simply isn’t enough. A city has to entice people back into its realms by providing the services (retail, nightlife, sports & leisure, aesthetics, transport and unrivalled working environments) in order for people to have incentive to want to take up this accomodation. I believe we need greater services investment in the city to balance the supply of residential complexes. However, the Cork market currently seems to have an insatiable appetite for all things apartments – I just worry about its sustainability without further services investment. Mahon Point, Academy Street and Blackpool isn’t enough.
Oddly, I feel the Water Street development (though accomodation based) will provide an incentive for further services investment with relation to the docklands, and this is what we need. However, I do believe the Jurys development, will be beneficial if it is successful (and it probably will, O’Callaghan rarely invest in something unless they’re gauranteed a return) because increased city centre residency should spur further services investment.
😀 Thanks mickeydocs! Still shaking off the jet-lag but I’ll try and get back on track proper soon! 😉
*UPDATES*
-> Argos & Lifestyle Sports will join anchor tenant Atlantic Homecare at the new 100m euro Blackpool Retail Park being developed by the Shipton Group. The new Argos Extra store will measure 10,000sq ft – twice the size of their existing Grand Parade/Daunt Sq store in the city centre. Lifestyle will occupy a store of 6,000sq ft.
In an unrelated announcement, Toni&Guy Hairdressers are to open a further store at Buckley’s Corner (former Carpet Store) on Washington Street.
-> The Capitol Cineplex on Grand Parade is being given a minor facelift, after coming under sharp criticism from CCC for its dire aesthetics. Ward Anderson had been reluctant to revamp the cineplex in light of future developments for the site. Ward Anderson plan to relocate their business to a new 11-screen multiplex at Mahon Point in Feburary 2005. One rumoured development for the site is a 6-storey over basement retail development with ground floor area of just under 40,000 sq ft – no further info has been received by me on this proposal so I can’t verify anything further.
-> Beamish & Crawford’s HQ on South Main Street is due for a revamp after an application was lodged with CCC for new railing, roof, facade adjustments and paint improvements.
-> Sherland Entertainments Ltd based in Dublin has been successful in their application for the redevelopment of the former Mercier Book Store on Academy Street as an Cafe Bar Deli brand coffeeshop & deli.
-> 21 objections have been raised against Riga Limited (O’Callaghan Properties/Jurys Doyle Group) development plans for Jury’s Hotel site on the Western Road. Of course the usual suspects were involved, An Taisce. After reading some of the grounds for objections, I have to say, some are laughable, but either way, Riga is going to have a tough ride through the planning process. I hope the proposal is successful, although my unease remains with relation to the residential element of the project.
-> For those of you anxious to know what it is O’Flynn Construction have planned for Eglinton Street, yet again, O’Flynn have said their announcement is imminent. And when it is made, if successful, it will be one of the largest construction projects in Cork next year. I have to say however, I would prefer a larger retail element – but last minute revisions may yet surprise me.
Finally, to theblimp, if you have a public e-mail a/c you could post online, I will contact you thereafter as soon as I am available. Failing that, try setting up a web-based ‘rubbish’ a/c you don’t mind displaying online. I will have to ask you a few questions beforehand through e-mail as I’m sure you can understand (privacy reasons etc).
P.S. Remember, Werdna Ltd’s plans for Water Street are expecting a decision this coming Wednesday (29th September 2004). The original decision date was scheduled for July, but CCC pushed the date back to September for further deliberation reasons. This is one of the most important planning decisions ever before Cork, let’s all just hope that the decision made will green-light the project. The countdown begins today. Here’s just a little reminder of what we should be hoping for ->
Fingers crossed!Hello people,
was on a short business/pleasure break. Back home now though.
theblimp, the Loft is a nice venue but I believe its owners, who also own Square Deal on Lancaster Quay, have plans for this site – and may or may not relocate its carpeting business.
Cornmarket Street is a fine location. Especially in light of on-coming developments of the area. Rockfell’s development will cater for up to 120,000 to 130,000sq ft of open plan retail space – with a view to a department store style venue. This is one possible location. Also, the structures at the corner of Kyle St and Cornmarket St are set to go for tender in the near future, this will provide a substantial development opportunity. If you are serious about locations in the city centre, I can discuss it with you at some level with a degree of personalised confidence, details pending. You may find it ‘helpful’.
In addition, Docklands areas provide an exciting new location. Lisney are advertising 3 lots between 2.5acres to 1H along Centre Park Road (former Goldcrop premises). Many sites in this area are going up for private auction now amidst developer speculations. I’ll comment further on this in the future.
In addition, I agree MP is an uninspired development from a design standpoint and a ‘Point’ style venue – though logistically sound in terms of traffic movement, would be less favourable on the undersized site proposed, plus it is far too close to major new residential developments like Jacob’s Island.The Showgrounds is good in theory, but the GAA already have their own ideas for this site – ideas which are backed strongly by CCC as they will contribute to the amenity element of the Docklands Development Area which the CCC are so keen to see put in place.
The Railway Street site is the favoured premises and is actually far larger than even I had initially anticipated. One proposal sees a pedestrian bridge like Venue Block A on the Horgan’s Quay grounds, with Block B proposed for development after demolition of existing warehouse premises across Railway St – most of which are now up for tender.
I’ll discuss this all soon in further detail later – but first I have to shake off this jet-lag. Goodnight!I was sorry too. I’d be interested to read the report – I’ll get back to you on that with third party contact information as I’m heading away for 7 days from tomorrow.
The objections are lodged on behalf of organisation members under the An Taisce banner. For example (probably not the best, but an example nonetheless) is the John Mannix office, residential and retail development for Washington Street. -> An Taisce Corcaigh lodged 3 seperate objections ->
CCC Application # 04/28202
KEVIN HURLEY AN TAISCE CORCAIGH, 23/04/2004 23/04/2004
ELAINE NI MUILLEOIR AN TAISCE CORCAIGH, 23/04/2004 26/04/2004
MS. LUCY DAWE LANE AN TAISCE CORCAIGH, 23/04/2004 26/04/2003That is not fair practice. Shouldn’t the organisation lodge one inclusive and representative submission as oppose to many, if they must? (And I wish they didn’t full stop). But this is the nature of their behaviour in Cork and this is not the worst example of it. All of the above are individual submissions under An Taisce. That said, CCC should refuse to accept more than one submission from any one organisation.
I don’t want to continue ranting on about An Taisce. I use this forum to inform people of Cork developments and I should continue to focus on that. However, sometimes An Taisce Corcaigh just make my blood boil and I need to outlet it. No offence intended to your work at all or to you personally Diaspora.
A number of interesting developments are due to be announced shortly for Cork.
*UPDATES*🙂 Rohcon Ltd erected a new tower crane over the site adjoining Hewitt Mills along the Blackpool By-pass yesterday. The site is owned and beind developed by Joe Carey and Frank Sheehan, who on a site right next door, are nearing completion on their development of 65 apartments in a semi-circular red-brick building of 7-storeys, designed by J.E. Keating & Assoc. This new development is one of further apartments, 44 (after CCC modification), in a line of between 4 and 5 storey blocks.
Yeah Diaspora, An Taisce objected on the grounds that it would be an aesthetic eye-sore to the Port of Cork area, it would over-shadow existing warehousing on site. I have the submission here in front of me and for the life of me I don’t see exactly where their objection really is. The onsite warehousing, which is derelict, is at huge expense being retained, refurbished and redeveloped for office use. And if anyone is familiar with the Port of Cork, they will well know that if anything, Water Street would be an exceptionally welcome addition to the skyline there. It’s not a very strong argument.
I know I bash An Taisce quite often, but I suppose one must really understand the extent and nature of their activity in Cork. You really do have to be here to realise the grief they cause. I can’t understand it. So, I’m not really knocking the organisation at a national level I suppose, it’s really the Cork branch (who aren’t even from Cork bar 2 members) that are nothing more than troublemakers. Trust me on this one.
What I find remarkable is, that with a number of developments, An Taisce in Cork quite often submit not just one objection – but will submit an object per member on behalf of An Taisce Corcaigh, which truly is shameful. A number of applications receive up to 7 objections from individual members on behalf of their organisation. And if it’s not enough, the appeal to the National Trust in Dublin to lodge a further objection.
Something really must be done about this, I hope the new changes at An Taisce as you’ve mentioned, will address this issue down South. It becomes very tiring and very frustrating.
I too hope to contribute in the development of the Cork Docklands to attain a status such as that which you mentioned above. It will strengthen not only the city and the south at an internationally scale, but will strengthen the country. It inspires quite a lot of excitement among the people of Cork, developers and myself.
Originally posted by d_d_dallas
Lexington – it was a given even before it was announced that Water St would be brought to ABP by certain obsessed unbalanced people.
There no doubt, some horribly watered down version of the project will get put through – and miss the greatest opportunity to get the docklands off to a positive note. The submission to ABP has probably already been prepared, you know something to the effect “this important and popular area is a valued historical record of economic deprivation, crime and recession and the unremarkable, therefore it demands preservation”.Originally posted by mickeydocs “this important and popular area is a valued historical record of economic deprivation, crime and recession and the unremarkable, therefore it demands preservation”.
Interesting. I don’t believe most Dubliners feel like that toward Cork. I think the thought isn’t really ever on their minds – Corkonians probably exaggerate that ideology more than anyone else. From dealing with Dublin based developers, my general feeling is that they don’t really care where the development is as long as it’s profitable first and foremost. However, I do acknowledge that it is a mentality that nonetheless does exist in the minority. It’s a real shame. I think certain people forget that what’s good for Cork, is good for Ireland. Last time I checked, we were all in the same country.
I have little to no respect for An Taisce – I genuinely can’t understand sometimes why they act the way they do toward Cork. It’s very frustrating and exceptionally unfair to not only developers, but the people of Cork. Their behaviour in Cork has made them gain little respect in Cork as a whole – this is true because a interest of mine has researched this and had it independently verified. An Taisce really are troublemakers in Cork at least.
Cork is on the verge of creating a new dynamic commercial and business region in the docklands. Water Street is a vital element of this. As is City Quarter, No.6 and No.6 Lapps Quay, Albert Quay House development (Howard Holdings) and Eglinton Street. I don’t understand why people like An Taisce and CIE are holding something so incredible back. As Howard Holdings have said, Cork with the proper investment has the ability to become Europe’s best value and most dynamic international business city – as distinct from the administrative and national financial base that Dublin is for Ireland. Cork could be a stand alone international financial centre – this is what Howard Holdings among other developers are really pushing forward with. It’s a shame people like An Taisce can’t share and support this vision which will benefit ALL people.
😉 Fleming Construction have been refused planning by ABP for the development of 123 student apartments in 2 six-storey blocks which were to be situated on the hillside grounds of the former Our Lady’s Hospital off Shanakiel Hill. I have to say, I agree with this decision as the proposed development would not only be exceptionally out of character and totally detract from the magnificient Our Lady’s Hospital building, but in terms of market viability – it wouldn’t be the success it should be in light of recent student developments ar Victoria Cross (a far more suitable and convenient location to UCC) of which Rathmelton Investments plan for the Park & Ride site adjacent to the Kingsley Hotel is the largest.
😉 Also on the site of Our Lady’s Hospital, ABP have refused Lance Investments their application for the redevelopment of the Eastern Wing of the former hospital to incorporate 192-apartments and a nearby 232-bedroom hotel. The location for the hotel would have provided spectacular city views but it, and the apartment development are distinctly unsuited to this particular, precious location. Once again, I support the ruling by ABP.
– As anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m a strong advocate for large scale development in Cork, but the above projects should be more focused on city centre and docklands areas – or other locations within the city that don’t injure the few genuine architectural gems we have in Cork city. Cornmarket Street, the Coal Quay, lower Bachelors Quay or Copley Street would be far more suitable centre locations. Hopefully, both Fleming and Lance Investments will reconsider their options and focus their investment toward the city, in which, I wish them every success.
For those curious about these projects – here are some images and information.
Edenhall
By far, one of Cork’s most (if not thee) impressive and stylish student developments. This huge 100m euro (in excess of) project by Cork-based Myraoak Ltd (Michael McCarthy developer and Brian McCarthy Construction) – has incorporated the former Tennis Village sports complex near CIT on the Model Farm Road and developed over 100 exceptionally luxurious S50 apartments of 3, 4 and 5 bedrooms each. The apartments rival even the best residential city centre, riverside development. As part of the complex, there are numerous indoor and outdoor tennis courts, riverside amenities, cafes, bars, themed restaurants, a conference centre, physio centre, sports clinic, retail outlets and so on. However for every Edenhall in Cork we seem to have a Victoria Mills (sigh).
Ballincollig Town Centre
There’s been much talk but few images of O’Flynn Construction’s 500m euro project at Ballincollig Town Centre. The development will among other things incl. A Shopping Centre with Supermarket, Grocery and Drapery Stores and 36 Retail Units
Over 1000 car Spaces – Surface, Deck and Multi-Storey
Town Centre Retailing with Showrooms, Restaurants and Pubs
Town Centre Apartments nestling in private courtyards
Own Door Offices and Modern Business Units
Tourism Retail Centre
Separate Office Campus
Park Style Hotel
Medical/Clinic Building
Mixed residential Development of detached, semi-detached and village style homes as well as apartments and duplex units.I hope to get a better image up for you shortly.
