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Oh – and I’ve just got wind that a major development announcement for the city centre is expected to be made soon (a pre-planning announcement). I can’t give away the details yet – but I can leave you a few clues and let you figure it out yourself – basically Ward Anderson own a premises in the city centre, a premises zoned for 30,000 sq ft of higher order retail development – and they intend to vacate this premises for a new own within Mahon Point SC. A private investment company is assessing potentials on this site at the moment – and based on their decision, will make an announcement.
But ya see I DO think No.5 and No.6 Lapps Quay are of a high standard of design – especially when you consider what No.5 used to be, it’s an example of clever and innovative redesign. City Quarter, I have to agree looks boring on paper, but to see it in real life – even though it is yet to be fully complete – certainly made me change my mind. It is pretty awesome. And if what you say about ‘boring buildings’ easily rentable – the aforementioned projects have SOLD almost all their office space at the stage (No.5 sold out, No.6 3 floors remaining – not even the frame is up yet on this project – and City Quarter is 70% occupied with another floor being added to meet demand) and yet office vacancy rates at a national level are just under 15%. Sure Cork is booming at the moment but I still think the demand does reflect quite a lot the quality of the product.
Yeah – I often wonder if the City Planners are fully aware that their stringent planning in the past has led to cities such as Cork and Dublin, to become increasingly decentred. Commercially, I know Dublin has tried to fight back – Jervis Street SC and the refurbished Roches Stores have certainly brought life back to Henry Street at all levels, incl. street traders. Grafton Street has always had the same role of play as Patrick Street in Cork, and always remained a strong player.
Intrestingly, it is clearly visible to see the increase in street activity of Patrick Street since its renewal. The whole city seems to have been given a fresh breath of life. Hopefully the oncoming Oliver Plunkett Street, Grand Parade and Cornmarket Street renewals will do the same. The two latter have HUGE commercial potential. With the advent of the colossal Mahon Point SC opening and the innovative Ballincollig Town Centre, the city is gonna have to pull its socks up again – I do think O’Callaghan Properties retail proposal on Academy Street was the planners big-gun for retention of the commercial core for Cork in light of these new threats – as well as Rockfell’s plan (though weak) for Cornmarket Street, Frinailla’s for Grand Parade. I only hope to God, O’Callaghan Properties don’t give us another Merchants Quay or Mahon Point on Academy Street – I’m seriously hoping 21 Lavitts Quay was an indication that the firm is becoming more design conscious.
No, it’s not dead thank God! The controversy is just about the fact that An Taisce have objected to the project on fecious grounds. Its just a spanner in the works that will delay the process – a spanner which the project really REALLY didn’t need or warrant.
I just pray that the Cork City Planners have more sense and vision than to let such objection skew the outcome of the planning application for Water Street. Fingers crossed! Not simply for the sake of the developers, but Cork city as a whole. This may not be the biggest development in Cork at the moment, but it is one of the most important.
Originally posted by Diaspora
Water St was a well designed proposal, but you have said that at least part of the proposed site contains 18th century buildings. I haven’t seen the buildings so I can’t assess their merit, but in general 18th century buildings should be preserved.I also feel that you are hitting An Taisce as an ‘easy target’
I agree that Cork needs development and that the docklands provide a perfect opportunity for Cork to build a sustainable urban quarter.
I feel that if the Cork docklands are to emerge as a real quality district you need to relase a lot of land quickly, the R&H Hall portfolio would give the scale necessary.
I’m sorry Diaspora, and I’m not trying to specifically pinch you the whole time, but can you not acknowledge a contradiction in your arguments?
-> The Cork Docklands should emerge as quality urban quarter – but yet, almost every docklands site earmarked has been opposed to by An Taisce. I appreciate the idea of refurbishment, my own interests have assessed this potential, but only a slight handful of existing structures are capable of limited conversion – as assessed by Arup, SDA O’Flynn and CCC City Engineers Office. This is a huge limit on ability to create any sort of urban quarter, let alone a quality one.
-> Much of the land is already available, for example, the Odlums Building on Kennedy Quay (1.2 hectares), 3 sites on Centre Park Road between 1.2 and 6.4 acres, Custom House Quay, Horgan’s Quay and Water Street. ALL facing opposition from An Taisce (though I can’t say that confidently for one site on CPR).
How are we to develop when An Taisce in the majority, object to everything we do? It’s like trying to drive down a grit road to a lavish palace but with a load of people linking arms across the road, refusing to let you by.
-> As for capital investment, believe you me, the first thing ANY investor looks at when deciding upon location is ‘What can I get out of it? And how much?’ – not education. In no way is it subservient. Education becomes a factor after the investor assesses his first 2 questions and then tries to find ways to utilise the location to maximise profitability. For example, if a developer wants to construct an office building, he first looks at the market – if the market or projected market environment is favourable, the developer then assesses the likelihood of his proposal being carried through – if it is low, he will move location to the next best alternative. Then and only then, may he assess factors like education – such as UCC – if the office building does get through, occupiers may seek employees of a particular standard, the developer always has an angle then pitching the quality of available education to make the location and development more attractive. If there is no education facilities, but market demand is still strong, the developer will still invest and import education skills required.
With reference to the difficult position remark – I was referring to the fact that I acknowledge these forums haven’t given An Taisce much slack. But I also acknowledge that there is no smoke without fire.
-> W.R.T. Jobs – is it not true, that if stringent planning conditions endorsed by strong local objection are predominant in a city, private investment will go elsewhere? (This was for so long the case in Cork until the local planning authorities under Joe Gavin got a much needed shake-up).
-> W.R.T. Design – Local Planning have become far demanding in their expectations of architectural quality in Cork. This is evident in the design quality of the latest projects. Your indication of a distaste for architectural quality in Cork’s latest projects is a matter of opinion – I initially had distaste for Water Street in its design, but it has grown on me. Do you also refute the design quality with regards to environment for the projects at Lapps Quay, Lavitts Quay, Camden Quay, County Hall and Brookfield? Their standard is generally considered of a very high order. (I have posted some of these pictures at thread ‘Cork – New Developments’. If you wish to view more, please indicate this to me.)
-> W.R.T. 18TH Century Buildings – what’s left is practically rubble. There is nothing to preserve, as is agreed by d_d_dallas and all all aware of Water Street. This is what is the cause of such outrage (similar to Mannix’s project on Washington Street. As a point of interest I intend to post pictures of these sites in their present state, and with that of the proposed development).
-> W.R.T. R&H Hall, a point I agree with you on, I think they would be superb areas for development. However, please feel free to contact An Taisce in Cork, they have already voiced objections to any proposed demolition of the grain silos and any development proposed as a replacement – without even seeing any plans??? I haven’t even seen plans for there yet. Is…is that reasonable? You seem to already be aware of the nature of these premises.
And finally, I will lend my support to An Taisce with regard to reasonable objection, but their carry on in Cork has made them lose an awful lot of credibility and enraged many locals, even those in City Planning, ring and ask! As a democracy we are obliged to hear and acknowledge opinion, but An Taisce have breached unfairness. If they are to gain any respect from a vast quantity of the locale again, An Taisce ae going to need to address themselves and think seriously about the road they are taking – especially their Cork branch, whom I will be meeting soon enough to discuss the like with first hand.
In response to aland, I would rather not disclose fully my interest – if you read my Interests/Hobbies information on my profile, that will give you one indication of what I do. But it isn’t my professional entirety.
And in reply to vinnyfitz, I believe the ‘sin’ An Taisce is guilty of is not being ‘A Champion for a Quality Life’ – it’s slogan – but being the complete opposite. As par the small info I have provide in my 2nd last post, An Taisce in Cork certainly hasn’t objected to one or two projects (and don’t get me wrong I acknowledge the validity of some of their arguments), but they object to EVERY project (w/ the accepted exception of No.6 Lapps Quay) in Cork over the passed 3 years. Some on spurious, inappropriate grounds that all cause trouble – for the neighbouring residents, for developers, for planners, for prospective employees and so on. In fairness to ABP, I often find myself in more agreeance with their decisions than that of CCC (eg. overturning the decision on Kenny Group’s South Main Street proposal). I don’t believe in developers free-reign. If that was the case, eye-sores and half-arsed buildings would spring up everywhere – I appreciate conditioning – but An Taisce has objected everywhere!!! This does cause untold damage to the community quite often – I know, I actively involve myself in trying to rectify these situations at a voluntary level. I resent the fact, that An Taisce causes such seemingly malicious jeporadisation of these projects. For example, Water Street and Cornmarket Street are classic examples of An Taisce struggling to make a case against a project, they really have nothing to go on, so why do they object?
Though such poor cases may or may not affect the planning outcome, they do cause delay, angst and in one incident of note, a withdraw by developers costing hundreds of jobs at a site that had NO architectural note and had been zoned by planners for its proposed use. Like I said, I’m all for conservation, I often work for it, but at the rate of behaviour by An Taisce in Cork, it must be accepted to be intolerable. I further resent the fact that all this objection comes from within Cork, but by people that aren’t Corkonian, bar 1 or 2. A Champion for Quality of Life considers the best outcome for ALL people, and the city as a whole. Some of An Taisce’s ’causes’ are dangers to public safety, beyond ANY sort of repair, and in locations that cannot be utilised for anything other that simply standing there looking rotten. I will provide examples of these upon request.
I empathised with Diaspora’s difficult position, but understand, An Taisce has often put me in such hard-wearing positions.
Furthermore, Ringaskiddy is in Cork Harbour, part of the Cork County Council, not City Council, and is not in the vicinity of the world class office district emerging in the docklands. It isn’t even within 15mins of the city by good road.
Additionally, I have put my money where my mouth is, and have financed many submissions in favour of various projects, to the Cork City Council. I have the receipts and the notices to prove every submission I have favourably made. This is another assumption you have poorly made. Such a pity.
I am not in the business of personal attacks. I will continue to acknowledge and respect the right of opinion on these forums. I often agree with much of what Diaspora has to say, and sometimes I don’t. My attack lies with the institution, not the people. Please remember that.
First of all, I wish to stress that I am in no way making a personal attack on Diaspora – I would not sink to such levels of personal attack. I believe in the right to individual opinion and believe each is of equal value no more so than my own. This includes the opinions of An Taisce – however, my attack is on that of the organisation, that by way of opinion, has delayed and indeed influenced the negative decision of some planning applications that has led to the loss of jobs, investment, infastructure and public amenity in a manner that is not a proactive campaign for a positive outcome, but a destructive campaign leading to a negative outcome. It is an apparent maliciousness evident in their objections that seemingly affects all projects proposed. IF such objections were lodged on genuine forward-looking conservationist grounds – they would then be lodged with developments that clearly violate an environment or structure of such grounds. But these are few. And I support them (aka Grangefield Developments proposal with relation to the Georgian Arbutus Lodge Hotel – a campaign I actively engaged in before An Taisce and posted my feelings on these forums – at how a beautiful specimen of architecture was been destroyed in the face of ‘shiny and new’ Diaspora claims I advocate. If he cared to read any of my posts on the matter, as well as my posts relating to Watergold House in Douglas, he would clearly know, I’m a strong advocate for conservation and post-modern styles.).
However, not every project proposed, some of which (in response to a post by vinnyfitz) I have both personal and financial interests in, are in violation of the ideals An Taisce claims to represent. Some of these projects have gone to enormous trouble (financial and time) to make sure of this – financing excavations, restorations, conservation exercises, landscaping etc etc. Yet An Taisce, has objected to some of these projects on fecious grounds (e.g. ‘a classic example of 18th Century dockland warehousing’ – Water Street. This classic example would be fine had it not be so poorly cared for and is now in a vile state of disrepair. Another famous example of their objection was of an 19th century terraced house in Passage West that at great expense was be shelled to avoid debris injuring the pedestrian public. A case An Taisce brought to An Bord Pleanala – delaying the fact that the house was a public health risk). Is this responisbility??? Even the local press campaigned and condemned against An Taisce irresponsible actions.
The following are a list of just SOME of the recent major developments in the Cork city area – proof of the unfair and irresponsibly destructive number of objections forwarded by An Taisce. If you consider the location, nature and design of these projects, it makes the objections more non-sensical. If this is insufficient, I will provide more lists.
1. TP:0428202 – John Mannix, Washington St.
ELAINE NI MUILLEOIR AN TAISCE CORCAIGH, 23/04/2004 26/04/2004
KEVIN HURLEY AN TAISCE CORCAIGH, 23/04/2004 23/04/20042. TP:04/28448 – Werdna, Water Street
ELAINE NI MUILLEOIR AN TAISCE CORCAIGH, 30/06/2004 01/07/20043. TP:04/27987 – Rockfell Investments Ltd, Cornmarket St
MR KEVIN HURLEY AN TAISCE CORCAIGH 11/02/2004 12/02/20044. TP:02/25914 – Thomas Crosbie Holdings, Lavitts Quay
AN TAISCE KEVIN HURLEY AN TAISCE CORCAIGH 03/05/2002 09/05/20025. TP:0226661- Hilltrent Ltd (O’Callaghan Properties)Lavitts Quay
AN TAISCE THE NATIONAL TRUST OF IRELAND 10/08/2001 21/08/20016. TP:0327769 – OSB Developments, Knapps Quay
MR IAN LUMLEY AN TAISCE CORCAIGH 26/02/2004 02/03/2004
MR. IAN LUMELY AN TAISCE, 28/11/2003 04/12/20037. TP:0125222 – CIT (Cork School of Music), Union Quay
KEVIN HURLEY AN TAISCE CORCAIGH 27/06/2001 03/07/20018. TP: 0327204 – Frinailla Ltd, Grand Parade
MS. LUCY DAWE LANE AN TAISCE CORCAIGH, 11/06/2003 11/06/20039. TP:0327674 – Kenny Group, South Main Street
MR KEVIN HURLEY AN TAISCE CORCAIGH 03/11/2003 07/11/200310. TP:0428159 – Corbett Bros., Parnell Place
ELAINE NI MUILLEOIR AN TAISCE CORCAIGH, 08/04/2004 14/04/200411. TP:
…the list goes on! Is this fair objection? Notice how all these developments have been objected to by An Taisce? If they’re objections were satisfied, would that be fair to Cork? A city for quite sometime didnt get the same opportunities as Dublin or Limerick and so on. I resent them deeply for this. Personally and at a public level.
As for public financing, I will attain the appropriate figures as soon as I physically can and make them available to you on this forum.
In addition, I see it a pity, that Diaspora, an individual for whom I would never personally attack, as I often vehemently agree with the points he notably and correctly makes on these forums – would have to assume an element of my character without ever reading my posts adequately enough to pass judgement. I have always advocated conservation in light of development. Our past is a part of who we are, and as remembrents of the past are finite, they must be protected. ‘Shiny and bright’ as it is claimed I so blindly advocate are not always the way to go, yet even from the minute information I provide here, it is proof of the destructive nature of An Taisce in Cork especially. I will provide further information (like a planning application) if requested.
The office floors of the City Quarter development are higher than that of the hotel. Although the Clarion is 8-storeys, the “8th” floor is more of a novelty upper air than real floor. The 6th, additional office floor will thus equal the height of the Clarion.
Anyone who strolls down Lapps Quay way recently will tell you that the project is pretty awesome and looks very very well.
Originally posted by bunch
In relation to the Water St. Development Proposal – I am wondering whether An Taisce will object or not, I have a feeling (and I could be very wrong) that An Taisce will not object, although I am sure that neighbouring residents probably will. However, I do not expect or sense any discernible ‘ourage’ nor should there be.If An Taisce object, on what grounds would this objection be? Building Height ? – The Cork High Buildings Study identified this location as a candidate for high buildings, as did the Cork Docklands Development Strategy and the current Cork City Development Plan. It is a brownfield site on the waterfront, facing south over the city at a gateway location in terms of vehicular and maritime traffic. A high building is essential, appropriate and sustainable. If it were a four storey building, would An taisce object on the basis of it being too low, contrary to City planning Policy and govt guidelines on density and sustainable development?
In terms of design, it, to me, seems quite attractive, although i agree that it can appear monotonous. However, as is often the case in docklands projects, the initial scheme often acts as a catalyst and compromises can be made – eg dublin docklands, canary, bristol. I really hope that CCC give it support because it will kickstart the north docks and the city cannot afford to wait for CIE or Treasury to move on Horgan’s Quay.
I hope also that CCC do not take a number of floors off just to appease the inevitable gombeen local slopitician who is guaranteed to get involved and create pathetic references to Ballymun, the glen etc. Taking four or six floors off this will ruin the opportunity to set the tone for Corks new urban quarter, will institutionalise a conservative approach to design/height/architecture and would be irresponsible and, i believe, contrary to proper planning and sustainable development Cork should learn the lessons from the early approach to dublin docklands and see a project like this as a strategic opportunity to deliver positive developemtn for the entire city
Also, I do not think the site includes or adjoins a protected structure, will not compromise neighbouring dwellings sun/day light. If An Taisce object, on what grounds will this be? By the way if they do object on sound planning grounds (although i cannot anticipate these), leave them, they are entitled, lets have no abuse.
Well despite ALL that, An Taisce – the purveyors of evil, or as they seem to be better known, Campaigners for the Stone Age – have indeed objected to the Water Street development. Their submission was made on the final submissions day. They must have had itchy feet and been dying to mess up another project for Cork – well they finally gave into their temptation. But on what grounds? Conservation of a derelict site??? (Which is zoned for landmark development.) EVERY SINGLE major development proposed in Cork over the past 2 years has had an objection raised by An Taisce, if they had their way, mass unemployment and derelict sites would rule.
Thanks a lot guys, you serve no purpose other than to hold dreams back. You are a pointless and dispicable organisation and you should be ashamed of the tripe you do called work!
Yeah, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery in UCC is pretty cool – the problem with it is that it is completely pointless and a huge waste of resources that could have be channelled into relevant projects like the planned IT Centre along the Western Road. Converting the Glucksman Gallery into more (and needed) lecture theatres would be a far better alternative.
*UPDATES*
A Planning Application, as seen in today’s (29th June 2004) Evening Echo, by Kilquane Ltd (the company owned by Howard Holdings to develop the City Quarter project on Lapps Quay) has been lodged with Cork City Council to see the addition of a 6th floor on the offices currently under construction.
The application for additional office space will see the office element of the City Quarter project equal the height of the adjoining Clarion Hotel and reflects a response to the demand for office space in the development. Scott Tallon Walker have said they will issue revised drawings of the project imminently – and as soon as they do, I’ll post them up so you can all see the new, bigger and taller office building.
CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Lift cranes and demolition equipment over the old Cork School of Music heed the commencement of construction of the new Cork School of Music!
Primary construction is expected in mid-July.CORK BUS STATION
Ridge Developments have begun construction of the refurbished Bus Station. The scaled back project will see complete terminal refurbishment, small extension to the rear and canvas canopies extend over quay-side bay area and smaller example to the rear.
HORGAN’S QUAY: ->
CIE remain very tight-lipped on the whole scheme – they’ve made a commitment but have failed to make a formal public announcement on plans. My own personal belief is that they are having problems securing designated finance – after all it is still a public company ~ and many such companies have difficulty committing finance for stragic purposes because the lack the vision for long-term revenue strategies. Redeveloping Horgan’s Quay along with private investors like Treasury Holdings presents a spectacular investment opportunity and would see CIE maximizing its assets with a view to strategic returns.
The Irish Examiner claims that Treasury and Manor Park are likely to make an announcement (pending successful proposals) ahead of CIE – effectively dragging the state company kicking and screaming into the project [for its own good I might add] – the annoncement is expected before year-end.
EGLINTON STREET: ->
The O’Flynn’s have erected a huge display banner on-site at Eglinton Street announcing the near announcement of a “Major Retail and Residential Complex Development”. The Irish Examiner and Irish Independent claim the O’Flynn’s have plans for a striking and modern high-rise development in the region of 60-million euros – however I’m not so sure of this from my personal inquiries with the company. A high-rise so close to City Hall is risky and the O’Flynn’s are aware of that. I am aware that they have 2 plans already designed and they are considering the most suitable. Either way, the site location and size mean the development is gonna be huge. A formal anouncement expected before end of July, early August. (It is expected Eglinton Street development will also cater for the parking needs – in undergound form – for the No.6 Lapps Quay office building currently under construction.
CORK CITY GENERALLY: ->
With the call by the Cork Business Association (CBA) today (28th July 2004) for a major events centre in Cork city. Plans for Sports Arena development (capable of hosting international sporting events – incl. rugby, soccer, athletics etc) along the docklands, and the development of quayside boardwalks (mostly by private investors as part of their individual projects – i.e. Howard Holdings = Lapps Quay, Werdna Ltd = Water Street, Victoria Hall Developments and UCC from Victoria Mills through UCC to Lancaster Quay – and the proposed Mardyke to North Mall boardwalk via Irish Distillers pre-planning development) Cork is gaining all the time.
The city really is on the move – and as the Chief Economist at DTZ Sherry Fitzgearld recently announced – for investors, Cork city represents the most exciting development opportunities (especially commercial) anywhere in Ireland right now. The city has a catchment of 500,000 people with 365,000 in it’s immediate metropolitan area. Unemployment and crime are at their lowest levels in decades and discretionary income is at its highest. After Dublin, Cork is the 2nd largest urban area and 2nd most affluent population. Big developers have caught on this ie. O’Callaghan Properties, whose total current development spend in Cork is almost 700-million euros (Mahon Point, Lavitts Quay, Classis Lake, Academy Street, Ballinlough etc), O’Flynn Construction = 675-million euro (Ballincollig Town Centre, Lapps Quay, Dunkettle, Eglinton Street etc), Howard Holdings = 260million euros (Lapps Quay, Albert Quay, Docklands, Estuary Court, Angelsea Street etc) and many more incl. Shipton Group (120m), Frinailla Developments (130m), Werdna (80m), Sheehan Family, Hornibrook and Co., Treasury Holdings, OSB, Jarvis, Hanranka Ltd., Corbett Bros etc.
Cork really is the place to invest right now and I only pray the planners don’t mess it up. And if things keep up (and they are projected to up to 2016), Cork really could become a major alternative to Dublin. It’s taken a long while, but as any economist or consumer will tell you, a little competition never hurt anyone. As market economies show, it can make you stronger. What’s good for Cork maybe good for Dublin and the rest of the country. Let’s just keep those fingers crossed!
*UPDATES*
As seen in the Planning Applications section of the Irish Examiner 24th June 2004 – UCC have just applied for Planning Permission for a 35-million euro extension of the Boole Library (originally built in 1983) of over 5979 sq m. Whoa! The extension is needed – as any UCC student at exam time will tell you.
The extension will be constructed on the southern elevation of the existing, huge Boole Library building and comprise of 5-storeys over basement. In addition, the existing Boole Library will be refurbished to meet the standards of the mammoth new extension.
In reply to T.G. Scott – CIE have said that they will refurbish Cork’s Kent Station in-line with any development of Horgan’s Quay (see previous posts). The plan is the face the station out facing the quays and the new Cork Docklands Development, with dual-level departure and arrival points, extended platforms, new access rail-lines (w/ potential to allow a future link-up with the new Cork Metropolitan and Suburban Rail System [which has been greenlighted by Transport Minister Seamus Brennan – initially encompassing a new line to Midelton and new stations at Carrigtwohill, Dunkettle, Blarney and Blackpool]), extension and refurbishment of the existing rail terminal building and a multi-storey car-park in the current ground-level car-park off the Lower Glanmire Road. These plans can be viewed in basic form as part of the Cork Development Plan and CASP Strategies. Advanced designs can be obtained from CIE – at a cost!Horgan’s Quay has had a myriad of plans associated with it over the years – all of which have been squashed due to certain Fine Gael TDs and the slowness of CIE to utilise it’s properties in a profit-maximizing and efficient manner.
However, the latest plans – which are driven be strong private backing and the phenomenal boom in the Cork city property development market – consist of a 5000 seat convention centre, up to 5000 residential units (which will probably be restricted due to the Cork City Development Plan 2004-2009 specificity with relation to Horgan’s Quay as a commercial zone), a new office, IT and associated commercial district backed by Manor Park Homes, Treasury Holdings and CIE (as well as a number of local provate investors). The total investment has been estimated by Cork City Council at a min. of 245million euro. No formal launch has been made as of yet – mostly due to CIE dragging its heels.
*UPDATES:*
O’Flynn Construction have announced the launch of No.6 Lapps Quay (see pic in prev. post) which has begun construction based on the huge demand associated with No.5 Lapps Quay. They are also behind the massive, announced retail and residential developed at former sorting office on Eglinton Street.
Corbett Brothers Development have begun construction on a major commerical and residential development at Copley Street.
Bride View Developments have sought planning for 193-apartments in a series of 5 storey blocks at Rochestown. (shudder!)
Cumnor Construction have applied for permission for a 7-storey apartment building at Sunnyvale on Sunday’s Well overlooking city centre.
Howard Holdings confirmed plans to begin construction on new 15 million euro Business/IT centre at Albert Quay.
Work begins on 60-million euro Cork School of Music on Union Quay in July.
And an unnamed investment group, whom I can’t as of yet reveal, have begun pre-planning for the purchase of the former Irish Distillers site on the North Mall (estimated to sell for 30-million for 14.4acres in city centre – rivalling a proposed bid by UCC) and development of a new low-rise, gated, pedestrian urban community with boardwalks, cafes, restaurants, theatres, helath centres, bars, clubs, duplexs, offices, shopping boulevard and college centres – est’d to be worth over 145 – 225 million euro. Please remember this is only a pre-planning proposal.
