lexington
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McCarthy Developments Next Docklands Plan
Previously at Archiseek.com (http://https://archiseek.com/content/showpost.php?p=38287&postcount=273) I mentioned that McCarthy Developments were in pre-planning about a further major city development. The proposal concerns Phase 2 of their Centre Park Road project, Phase 1 has already achieved 10,039sq m of office provision over 8-storeys over basement car-parking, deisgned by Oisin Creagh of Murray O’Laoire Architects (see image above). Phase 1 adjoins Centre Park House, a multi-tenant office block of 6-storeys which also serves as McCarthy Developments’ HQ, and faces Centre Park Road.
Phase 2 will see the developers utilise the remainder of the 2.5acre site they purchased at this location back in 2004 – it is expected that up to a further 25,000sq m of office provision could be provided in what will likely be a mixed-use proposal, fronting Monahan’s Road. Combined, the 2 projects would provide undoubtedly Cork’s largest office development. It is understood Murray O’Laoire Architects have reached an advanced stage at planning with their clients. Though McCarthy Developments have lost out to the Blackpool-based Linn Dubh project (championed by Ascon, Frank Sheahan & Joe Carey) in attaining the Revenue Commissioners, it is understood that recent successes by the likes of O’Flynn Construction’s Ballincollig Town Centre office campus and the Shipton Group’s Blackpool Park office scheme, may encourage McCarthy Developments with respect to their market outlook.
:confused: With Hickeys Home Furnishing’s retail operation tied up, it is believed DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald will likely be heading up the sale of the company’s valuable Maylor Street premises (approx. ground floor area of 10,000sq ft) near Patrick’s Street. Speculation cites that BrideView Developments may take a gander at the location given that it already has an agreement appropriated at 124/125 Oliver Plunkett Street which forms part of the larger former Hickey’s premises – the details of which are unclear. It may offer Declan O’Mahony & Co. a superb foot into providing a nice city centre retailling development should they wish… In any event, the premises is likely to be redeveloped with a core retail function. Those with an ambitious mind may even consider a site assembly with attractive sites dotting the length of Maylor Street as far as Parnell Place from Hickeys – the opportunity could exist to facilitate a development which would offer 1 of at least 2 major department stores eyeing up the Cork market for their first operation in the city centre – as far as location goes, the Maylor Street premises would offer an ideal spot – and an extended, assembled site would allow compliments to the main anchor with further retail units. In any event, the premises will be hotly contended when it comes to market.
🙂 Citco are to create up to 250 new jobs as part of an expansion programme in Cork city. The international hedge funds group already employ a number of staff at its Cork Airport Buisness Park facility, but will now seek to increase its operational activity by occupying new offices at Tellenganna House, Blackrock – a significant office development under completion by Bowen Construction, designed by Wilson Architecture and developed by SHUL (backed by David O’Sullivan) – who will now consider options on the further development of 100,000sq ft + of commercial and office space along adjoining lands at Monahan’s Road, including a former coal yard.Camden Quay Development Opportunity
It seems Cohlan Downing Associates are to announce the sale of the former Atkins-McKenzie Garden Centre along Camden Quay (most recently used as the provisional Cork Circuit Court). NorthGate Investments are understood to be offering the half-acre (approx. 20,000sq ft) site on the market for €9m. The attractive facade facing the quayside is protected and any redevelopment here will have to be sensitive given a number of issues which include the relationship to the facade and Georgian terrace to the east – furthermore, in terms of height and elevational treatment, consideration will have to afforded the terraced housing to the rear (north) of the site. NorthGate Investments had applied in 1997 to redevelop the site as a 170-bedroom hotel, however the application was never entirely realised through the planning process.
The DAT Partnerships plan for Clontarf Street, which received a significant redesign recently at the hands of architects Coughlan de Keyser, has proceeded into a further round of additional information. The 9-storey office proposal is set for a tiny and difficult site bordered by Clontarf Street, Oliver Plunkett Street and Deane Street at the heart of Cork’s new business district.
John Cleary Developments Cleared on Sifco Development:/ Blarney-based John Cleary Developments have been granted permission on their plans for a substantial office and retail development at the former Sifco premises near Mahon Point. The company lodged plans back in September 2005 for the construction of an office and retail development of 13, 831sqm (gross floor area over five floors with basement car parking over two levels (301 no. spaces) and surface car parking (68 no. spaces) and cycle parking (78 no. spaces) to a height of 37.1 metres. Following on-going planning consultations, and a submit of Unsolicited Further Information, the plan was reduced in height by 2 floors representing a large reduction in office floor space. The structure as granted stands now at 3-storeys over basement car-parking (which was also subject to reductions). The proposal was designed by Coughlan de Keyser Architects, who also design the developer’s MotorMall on the same site – that scheme should proceed in the late Spring/early Summer with Windsor Motors (based on the Carrigrohane Road) understood to be seeking accommodation at the facility.
– Windsor Motors who were recently granted permission for the part demolition of an existing warehouse and construction of new automotive showroom, deisgned by SDA O’Flynn, at their Carrigrohane site, are now expected to be seek a market sale of their premises which is located in an area subject to a great deal of recent acquisition activity, not least David Crowe (Oyster Developments)’s purchase of the Coca-Cola Bottling facility nearby. Mr. Crowe is understood to have appointed a design team following a tender process and will now seek to propose a significant high-density development of a predominantly residential nature. The zoning of the area could qualify the proposal for that of a high-rise nature should it be deemed appropriate.
– Sticking with David Crowe…
…Oyster Developments have withdrawn their appeal against conditions imposed on the grant of their Deane Street project which saw CCC state a reduction of the proposal height from 7 to 6-storeys. The scheme, designed by The e-Project, will adjoin No.8 Parnell Place and provide up to 40,000sq ft of combined office space. Construction is understood to be schedule for commencement within the imminent future.
*updates* 3/3/2006🙂 Finbar Gannon is to apply for a symbolically signifcant development at his premises, Saint Patrick’s House, located between Alfred Street and the Lower Glanmire Road. Mr. Gannon will seek to vertically extend the existing structure by 3 storeys, bringing it to 5-storeys – and with the new additional floors catering to residential usage (13 residential units – 6x 1-bedroom, 5x 2-bedroom and 2x 3-bedroom). The ground floor function will remain associated with commercial activities. The development is similar to a 2003 application by Mr. Gannon which sought a vertical extension of 2-storeys with 15 student apartments contained therein. The project is symbolically relevant in that it provides another encouraging step to this area of the North Docklands, already geared up with Jack Lynch’s Siemens Building (design by Oppermann Associates), BrideView Developments’ Unity House and the application by Paul Kenny for his St. Patrick’s Quay car-park nearby. The area will be in line for further significant development over the coming future. Kiosk Architects are the design team behind the subject project.
🙂 Quality Healthcare Limited, the UK-based firm which purchased and renovated Shanakiel Hospital for private healthcare use, is now seeking additional planning for the provision of 18 new elderly care independent living units in 3 2-storey buildings. The proposal will be situated on the grounds of Shanakiel Hospital and include numerous provisions of pedestrian access, including one linking with Sunday’s Well Road.The following are some backdated posts accumulated over the past few weeks. I promised some users to post these up – sorry they weren’t up sooner, but a number of factors are at play and I will not be able to continue posting here (or boards.ie) indefinitely over the prospective future. I appreciate sincerely some of the very kind words expressed in previous posts – thank you all most genuinely. Apologises for the brevity. 😮
Lex
*updates* 4/1/2006🙂 DAT Partnerships have lodged Significant Further Information on its plans for CentrePoint, their Clontarf Street proposal, destined for a tiny triangular site (circa. 2,250sq ft +) bored by Oliver Plunkett Street Lower to the south, Deane Street to the west and Clontraf Street to the east – and which was purchased for a staggering figure just under €1m. Coughlan de Keyser Architects (Daniel Luxton) had been assigned for design on the project which originally intended to rise 12-storeys in height, but following the outcome of preplanning talks, was lodged at a reduced height of 9-storeys (with a gross floor space of under 30,000sq ft). The design drew much discussion given its unusual form which resembled something of a ‘torch flame’ (see below):
Original CentrePoint proposal – eastern elevation.The application received a submission from Kevin Hurley of An Taisce stating that a recognition of design intentions, but criticism of its form and height among other things.
In their request for Further Information, CCC noted their dis-satisfaction with the cantivelered nature of the design which overhung public footpaths – they additionally pointed out that the height of the building’s southern elevation negatively impacted neighbouring No.6 Lapps Quay and the visual continuity of the vista south-to-north along Eglinton Street, facing Lapps Quay. The CentrePoint project, in their view, seemed to dominated the other buildings in the area at CityQuarter and Lapps Quay. A request for height reductions at this elevation was sought along with revisions in the buildings impact with respect to public foothpaths.
Whether one likes or dislikes the original design is one thing, however there was a clear willingness to explore forms other than those generally associated with the districts established buildings. I’ll bring details of the revised form soon and you can judge for yourselves the outcome of the latest design efforts.A decision on CentrePoint is due for the 30th January 2005 – the same date scheduled for a decision on John Cleary Developments large Sifco-redevelopment near Mahon Point. Coughlan de Keyser are responsible here too for the design on JCD’s 5-storey (circa) 130,000sq ft office and retail development…so it should be a big day for them!
😮 For those wondering, a decision date on the Rothbury Estates application to redevelop the former Sunbeam Factory in Blackpool is currently expected for the 18th Feburary 2005. Design is by Richard Rainey & Associates and further details may be found here
*updates* 4/1/2006🙂 Coughlan de Keyser Architects have submitted revised plans on the proposal by DAT Partnership to develop a new 9-storey office tower on a tiny (circa.) 2,500sq ft triangular site bordered by Deane Street, Oliver Plunkett Street Lower and Clontarf Street. The original proposal resembled a torch-like flame which overhung the public footpaths and finished with a tinted glazed exterior. The revised plan has addressed concerns by the Planning Authority regarding the infringement of the public footpath – the new proposal is confined within the limits of the site yet remains up to 9-storeys in height. The design now resembles that more closely of a modern day Flatiron Building, with glazed finishes on all 3-corners – with the north positioned to benefit from attractive night-time lighting features, creating an active visual amenity the full height of the building at this highly prominent corner. A mild set-back is afforded the southern elevation, however the architects and planning consultants (CSR) argue that the site is worthy of a taller structure – and I would tend to agree, this site is unique in its position; essentially it is an ‘island’-like site and as such is stand-alone. Unlike the neighbouring sites in line for development at Deane Street and Anderson’s Quay – the Clontarf Street (CentrePoint) site offers an ideal landmark location which may be exemplified by its height. The new design is by no means a disappointment, perhaps at a personal level I enjoyed the unusual form of the original, however the new proposal, though a little more plain is still an interesting and attractive project. CDA have done well on what is essentially a very difficult site. A decision is due on January 30th 2005.
🙂 Adrian Power has submitted further information and additional photomontages for his Clarke’s Bridge site which originally envisioned a 7-storey office building, again in the care of Coughlan de Keyser. CCC planners had raised concerns regarding the buildings height which are now understood to have been revised. DNG Harris Commercial are handling the project’s marketing.
*updates* 8/1/2006😎 Fleming Construction have apparently offered to construct an event centre at lands abutting the Ballincollig By-Pass near Curraheen. The offer applies to the Munster Agricultural Society in exchange for its 22-acre lands (on long-term lease from Cork City Council) in the city’s docklands. Fleming Construction purchased the amenity zoned 126-acre lands along the Ballincollig By-Pass last year for a value estimated at €17m. Fleming Construction intend to construct a multiple purpose event centre with in excess of 6,000 seats (subject to various configurations), along with associated amenities, car-parking and an equestrian provision which could net the MAS its own independent income and host a variety of activities including concerts. It is Fleming’s intention thereafter to utilise the valuable docklands site for extensive redevelopment purposes. This will undoubtedly, however, run into some conflict with CCDP zonings and CCC intentions. Howard Holdings and at least one other group involving a prominent hotelier are also anxious to acquire the MAS docklands site.
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🙁 An Bord Pleanala (ABP) have made a clear indication that a tall structure on the 4-acre Water Street (for which Werdna Limited are in appeal for 304-apartment units over blocks generally 9-storeys and 1 feature 17-storey tower) is inappropriate. The Water Street design team, Murray O’Laoire Architects, are now being offered the opportunity to provide a redesign on the project with a decision due for the end of March 2006.
Revenue Commissioners Confirm Move (8/1/2006)As indicated in the 1st Post of this thread, the OPW have today confirmed the move by the Revenue Commissioners (and their approx. 600 staff) from Government Buildings along Sullivans Quay to soon-to-be-built offices off the Blackpool By-Pass/Assumption Road.
See post here -> http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=50534375&postcount=1
The winning bid has come from auctioneer/developers Frank Sheahan & Joe Carey in conjunction with Ascon Rohcon (who have the option of buying out the almost 2-acre site from the formers). The developers secured planning in 2003 for a 4-storey office development, designed by Jack Coughlan & Associates back in 2001, for Susie’s Field – not far from their recently complete Sean Mhuillean apartment complex (designed by J.E. Keating & Associates). Construction on the project will commence almost immediately following the ironing out of issues concerning the move between the OPW and bidders – a scheduled completion is set for mid-2007 and relocation by the RC to commence after Summer 2007. As part of the winning bid, the developers will now secure a highly attractive and valuable site of 3/4 acres along Sullivans Quay (Government Buildings) which will now likely be up for substantial redevelopment – given the site currently suffers from issues of subsidence. Any prospective development here could accommodate a landmark mixed-use development with extensive commercial provisions, although it is understood the developers have intent for predominantly office usage. Ascon have been pushing further into development in Cork over the last few years and now have their sights set on a number of potential city centre developments which could include a sites along Albert Quay (an assembled half-acre premises which may see the planning office later this year) & Sullivans Quay. The focus will now be on Sullivans Quay, undoubtedly expectations will be high given the prominence of the site with respect to Grand Parade.
🙂 Cork County Council have been greenlit to develop a new 6-storey over basement library building to the west (approx. 37 metres) from County Hall tower. The development will consist of new archives, library and office accommodation overhead – finishings include stone cladding and beige panels similar to the materials used on the extension to County Hall on the east side of the tower. Additional car-parking will be provided by a vertical extension to the existing multi-storey on-site. Shay Cleary Architects are responsible for the design.🙂 DAT Partnerships have lodged Significant Further Information on its plans for CentrePoint, their Clontarf Street proposal, destined for a tiny triangular site (circa. 2,250sq ft +) bored by Oliver Plunkett Street Lower to the south, Deane Street to the west and Clontraf Street to the east – and which was purchased for a staggering figure just under €1m. Coughlan de Keyser Architects (Daniel Luxton) had been assigned for design on the project which originally intended to rise 12-storeys in height, but following the outcome of preplanning talks, was lodged at a reduced height of 9-storeys (with a gross floor space of under 30,000sq ft). The design drew much discussion given its unusual form which resembled something of a ‘torch flame’ (see below):
Original CentrePoint proposal – eastern elevation.The application received a submission from Kevin Hurley of An Taisce stating that a recognition of design intentions, but criticism of its form and height among other things.
In their request for Further Information, CCC noted their dis-satisfaction with the cantivelered nature of the design which overhung public footpaths – they additionally pointed out that the height of the building’s southern elevation negatively impacted neighbouring No.6 Lapps Quay and the visual continuity of the vista south-to-north along Eglinton Street, facing Lapps Quay. The CentrePoint project, in their view, seemed to dominated the other buildings in the area at CityQuarter and Lapps Quay. A request for height reductions at this elevation was sought along with revisions in the buildings impact with respect to public foothpaths.
Whether one likes or dislikes the original design is one thing, however there was a clear willingness to explore forms other than those generally associated with the districts established buildings. I’ll bring details of the revised form soon and you can judge for yourselves the outcome of the latest design efforts.
A decision on CentrePoint is due for the 30th January 2005 – the same date scheduled for a decision on John Cleary Developments large Sifco-redevelopment near Mahon Point. Coughlan de Keyser are responsible here too for the design on JCD’s 5-storey (circa) 130,000sq ft office and retail development…so it should be a big day for them!
😮 For those wondering, a decision date on the Rothbury Estates application to redevelop the former Sunbeam Factory in Blackpool is currently expected for the 18th Feburary 2005. Design is by Richard Rainey & Associates and further details may be found here.
anto – the existing NMRC is staying put, in fact an application will soon be lodged for an 4-storey, 40,000sq ft (circa) extension of the facility. Indeed it is a lovely structure. The proposals posted above are aspirational really – I was putting it up as a demonstration of what can be achieved in the docklands rejuvenation. It’s realisation – even if not for solely academic purposes (say as a broader mixed-use commercial development) in any event would be rather pleasant
Want to see what I want for Christmas 2006? 😀 Take a look below.
Yes, that is Pairc Ui Chaoimh in the foreground. This is HTD Studio’s design for a masterplan undertaken by UCC (NMRC – now the Tyndall Institute) on the near-on 16-acre Tedcastle Holdings site along the South Docklands. The site, zoned in the Cork Docklands Development Strategy 2001, as being for part educational-part commercial use is currently the subject of discussion between Howard Holdings and Tedcastles – the outcome of which has yet to realised. The 22,000sq m proposal envisaged above was set to host a spectacular new NMRC and Photonics centre among other uses – of which commercial and leisure would be constituent. The remainder of the site would be dedicated to a variety of uses, with recreational space being well catered for. The buildings act as a spectacular landmark entrance into the city’s docklands – especially the beautifully glazed, sweeping feature tower. Of course, you have seen this proposal before on the Archiseek.com Cork threads, the previous image I posted was that as posted below (albeit without any attached information):
This design, in my opinion, sets a bar for the standard of development landmark projects should seek to achieve or surpass. The proposals architects are Thierry Paret and Kal Kandler.
The Site – note Howard Holdings’ Ford site acquisition highlighted nearby.Do you think someone has the gusto to see something like this realised? Maybe even the same design – bring in the solicitors to sort out a few ownership glitches and off you go! :p The building could be adapted internally to a myriad of uses – whether offices, retail, some restricted residential, an educational institute inclusive, restaurants, cafes etc – all of the above?
HTDSTUDIO
Architects + Designers, LtdLissard, Burnfort,
Mallow,
Cork
IrelandT+353-87-6342589
F +353-22-29921
It does go to show however what CAN be achieved in the Cork Docklands redevelopment and that the imagination is there.
@orion wrote:
Lex the two houses to the rear of the Esso site @Wilton have been bought by a developer ,it would make sence if this was the same purchaser as the Esso site.This would give a whole new aspect to redeveloping the site with regard height and usage next to CUH.
That’s interesting, thank you. I didn’t know the 2 houses were developer purchased. It will certainly give the site much more scope and a nice linkage dircetly into CUH should medical usage be in part envisaged. Medics and patients alike could avial of a nice walkway between the 2 premises. Regarding height, although the eastern end of the side could accommodate a higher structure, respectful heights will have to generally be adhered to given that there is established housing and estate housing to the immediate west of the former Esso Wilton site.
Bishopstown Esso was purchased for €2.2m and I can’t remember off the top of my head, but apparently Dunmahon went for €4m (?) – don’t quote me on that as I’m merely ball-parking – Dunmahon will see residential use. As for Bishopstown – not entirely sure, but given its proximities to housing at the rear, road access and relation to CUH, any scheme will have to remain pretty low-rise and will likely be residential with perhaps some medical/commercial units at ground-flor level.
😎 I know this is a wee bit late, but even so, Rossdale Enterprises have lodged plans with CorkCoCo for the development of a new residential scheme along Commissioner’s Quay at Castleredmond in Midelton. The quayside scheme will see 35 new apartments erected over 2x 4-storey blocks and 1x 5-storey block all over a basement car-parking facility. The scheme, designed by Monkstown-based Dermot Coveney & Associates (whose other works include the redevelopment proposal for the Mannix & Culhane premises along Washington Street), will also include a new waterfront boardwalk amenity.
😎 Castlelands Construction are due a decision tomorrow on their plans for 376 houses at Kilmoney in Carrigaline. The application, originally lodged with CorkCoCo last June (2005) was the subject of a Further Information request, and is applied to a site only a short thread away from the recently proposed plans by Astra Construction Services for 503 residential units (100 duplexes, 24 apartments, sheltered accommodation units [26], 353 houses), creche and associated amenity facilities – designed by O’Mahony Pike Architects.Hello Mike,
perhaps these links may be of some help to you.
1. RIAI Careers Guide
2. RIBA Education DepartmentEach provide fairly comprehensive insights into the various pathways which lead to a career in architecture.
All the best,
Lex
😉 Also, just to comment on what I believed to be quite an excellent fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. I was lucky enough to have a superb vantage from a nice warm living room on that evening and spare no envy on the poor unfortunates who had to endure the barrell fulls of rain that surely soaked them prune-like. :p Even so, word on the street was, bar a 20 minute delay, the show was well worth it – and indeed it appeared so. All the same, it felt a little empty when the clock struck 12am and the sky remained clear of any significant colours.
Perhaps in the coming years, punters can gather along the extensive boardwalks of Horgan’s Quay and Kennedy Quay and in the squares at Horgan’s Plaza or Kennedy Park in the redeveloped docklands and watch future New Year’s Eve spectacles launched from the eastern tip of Custom House Quay. What a sight that would be! 😉
@Leesider wrote:
Was driving down Washington St. the other night and 2 developments I have heard about a while back but which haven’t gone to construction phase yet, Mannix’s and the Kino, were brought to mind. Does anyone know when these are going ahead or even if they are going ahead??? Would do a lot for the street, just like the renovated courthouse adds that bit of class.
Indeed, the Mannix premises could well do with that redevelopment – seriously overdue and that break in shoulder heights brings a serious and ugly sense of discontinuity to what is otherwise a pleasant streetscape. The redevelopment would bring a sense a revival to this worn out site and act as a contemporary corner gateway as well as a nice occupaniant to the other recent addition at Wagamama/Captain Americas/Suas nearby. Mr. Mannix is most evasive on the topic and the project has a lot to do with others behind the scenes. Also, some of the site tenants are more than unhappy with the prospect of a new proposal – case in point, Mr. Leahy’s appeal. The rumour mill suggested that Mr. Mannix may actually sell the premises with F.P.P. when the time comes, rather than develop it – that could offer eager buyers a prime city centre development opportunity within a stone’s throw from Cork’s legal district and a series of major redevelopment plans at Cornmarket Street, Grand Parade and South Main Street.
As for the Kino….:confused: Which is a pity because I think Tony Dennehy et al did a really nice job on this proposal – with the right lighting it could offer a striking addition to the street-scape. It would be nice to see this project get a move on in 2006 – its a shame it didn’t see light for 2005 during the Capital of Culture reign, but c’est la vie. See project image here – go to section titled Community and select the 3rd Icon titled “Proposed Cinema”. Flash required.
With Odyssey 40 minutes away and RDS/Point/Fairyhouse another 40 mins away – is there really a need (at least at this location)?
@A-ha wrote:
The road from the bridge at the turn off for EastGate/Little Island up as far as the roundabout for the tunnel has been made three lanes in each direction. Will this be carried on further or is it just that stretch of road? I don’t see why that road hasn’t been given motorway status…. seen as most motorways in Ireland don’t have three lanes anyway, half the roads in Dublin aren’t even motorways by British/European standards. Is it the governments plan to give it to M status? Also, if the Port of Cork is moved to Ringaskiddy, does that mean that all ships will no longer come up the Lee? What about all the naval ships/cruise ships that enter Cork….. will they all be sent to Ringaskiddy? Hope everyone has a brilliant New Year!
p.s. sorry i’m so full of questions today. :rolleyes:
Re: Motorways – I think the qualification for motorway standard is 2-lanes in either direction to a width of 300 metres across and of a certain build, generally its not simply a matter of lanes. However, the Cork Northern Ring Road and Fermoy By-Pass/Mitchelstown By-Pass are all being configured to this status apparently. However, some existing roads (incl. Watergrasshill By-Pass) I believe are already of the standard but without the designation. This isn’t my best area of assessment but that’s my primitive understanding…:confused:
As for Ringaskiddy, the transfer does not restrict vessel traffic up the Lee, it’s more about upgrading PoC facilities, their ability to expand and at the same time freeing up development space in the city. The Water Street Bridge will be configured to allow vessel passage – and it is hoped some naval activity and visit ships will be accommodated through new quayside platforms which can double up as docking and boardwalk/amenity areas. Indeed one of the main features of a redeveloped docklands area will be to place more emphasis on maritime activity – that is, utilising the river – one of Cork’s most important natural assets. The provision of effective and efficient water-bus activity and recreational functions will be vital to the successful development of the area.
@Maskhadov wrote:
with Cork moving the port out of the city to Ringaskiddy what are the plans for the old port location ? Are they going to develop a waterside development ?
As you can imagine Maskhadov, the relocation process involved is an extensive one. Effectively, the transfer of many port activities to the Port of Cork lands at Ringaskiddy is a phase by phase process with an estimated cost of €200m. Most likely, and perhaps within the coming months – subject to discussion outcomes – the PoC will seize it’s limited operations along Horgan’s Quay on the northern docklands. This would clear the way for a €500m phased development along the 17-acre lands at Horgan’s Quay (controlled by CIE but which was passed onto to Manor Park Homebuilders for redevelopment purposes). The first application for this redevelopment is expected this year – in the project’s entirety, up to and possibly over 1,000 new high density homes are to built, a major commercial/retail core, redeveloped Kent Station for CIE with new Bus Station and reoriented terminal to face the waterside, 2 new plazas, a new National Route and 400metre boardwalk running the length of the quay – O’Mahony Pike Architects are working on this project. There is talk and work looking into an Event Centre element also, but that outcome remains to be seen. Further east along the northern quays, Werdna Ltd are still in appeal for 304 residential units with a 17-storey feature tower, new riverside promenade, commercial facilities, 30,000sq ft of business & technology space, 400+ basement car-parking etc all at a site off Water Street – designed by Murray O’Laoire. Water Street is also the subject of a new bridge to be facilitated by Cork City Council. To the west of Horgan’s Quay, various projects are in the pipeline. Along the southern docklands, progress is on-going behind the scenes – at the same time, a South Docklands Area Plan is under formation. For the time being, The Beverly Smyth Group have planning in for 104 residential units over a series of blocks, 30,000sq ft of Business & Technology uses and the like, McCarthy Developments have an 8-storey office building of 100,000sq ft designed by Murray O’Laoire ready-to-go and which had been in contention for the new Revenue Commissioners home in Cork. McCarthy Developments may also have other plans – as do Howard Holdings, whose recent €25m + purchase of the 11-acre Ford site issues another solid step in the company’s ambitions to redevelop a significant quarter of the Cork Docklands region in a project estimated at €500m+, the company are also in discussion to acquire a nearby 10-acre waterfront site owned by Tedcastles Holdings. Quiet discussions are on-going about 2 other significant waterfront sites (1 of which will probably relocate too) in the south docklands which I hope can be commented on later – also a further office development is being pitched for an acre site along Monahan’s Road, sometime in the New Year.
All in all, workings are being issued, and the Cork Docklands has a long way to go – effectively, it is the creation of a new city and for its full realisation, will require many more years ahead.
The New Year is upon us…
…how does 2006 look? Well, in my opinion, pretty good as far as progress is concerned. Of course, it all depends on the variables…interest rates, income, planning etc. Cork is facing the New Year with a new Director of Planning Services and a heightened awareness of what it is that’s going on. I don’t think I need to recap the comings and goings of 2005 – I think the thread can be browsed through sufficiently for people to note all that themselves…and though some very positive progress was made, I see 2005 very much as a ‘foundational’ year for 2006, similar to how 2003 was for 2004. :p
2006, it would seem, is lining up to be a very active one – and hopefully it will bring with it the better and the bolder… The development community, I believe, are waking up to the benefits and expectancies associated with design – some faster than others. At a national level, alliances like that of Edward Holdings and Douglas Wallace, for example, are exemplifying the importance of a good developer/design team relationship. Are we there yet? No…will 2006 help us get there? I hope so. Being perfectly aware of all the considerable variables that contribute to a ‘successful development’ – I continue to stress that good design should always be seen as an investment and not a restraint. Good design is increasingly demanded and expected by the masses as they’re awareness and recognition of architecture grows. The progress of this website is representative, in my view, not least of the contributions of its participants but also of growing public interest in the subject field. Of course issues of finance strongly dictate actions, even so, homes, workplaces, leisure facilities and so on are increasingly reflections of one’s lifestyle – and not simply the proverbial ‘roof over one’s head’ or ‘place to do business’ they once were; they are projections of a light in which one wishes to be seen – whether you are a homeowner, business, retailler, guest or whatever – and developers are slowly copping this…and if not, they need to be. Recent publications by the likes of Hamilton Osbourn King, Sherry FitzGerald and CBRE Gunne have all backed this mentality. The argument regarding perceptions of good architecture can ramble on ’til time tolls no more – the fact is, the new Ireland is demanding higher standards.Good architecture does not necessarily require ‘landmark’ buildings left, right and centre – the term ‘landmark’ is flaunted around far too casually these days – but it does require thoughtfulness, innovation, respect, foresight and identity.
In 2006, developers have an opportunity to build on this new environment – the leading edge developers have recognised the demand and are acting on it, though their success will always be a matter for debate among the masses. Irrespective, the need to push higher is evident and steps made need to be encouraged and promoted – planning authorities and the public (market) are requesting more. Developers who associate themselves with good design are generally recognised, if not publicly – amongst their peers, partners and market reception. I would hope recognition of this continues to grow and see realisation in the coming year.
So, in Cork, what is there to look forward to?
Well… Eglinton Street is scheduled to commence construction within the early New Year, the highly anticipated Academy Street proposal is expected to see the Planning office within the coming weeks, a decision on Water Street is expected to be made in March, the Rothbury Estates application for Sunbeam will also do the rounds at Navigation House, construction on a new home for the Revenue Commissioners in Cork is expected to get go, an application for Anderson’s Quay and 16 Lavitts Quay, an outcome to the Crow’s Nest redevelopment proposal, the opening of Cork Airport’s new terminal, perhaps Manor Park Homebuilders and O’Mahony Pike Architects will lodge their first application on Horgan’s Quay in the not too distant future, later on in the year we could expect planning applications for Carrigrohane Road (Oyster Developments) and maybe the large retail plan for Grand Parade and surrounds, movement on Grand Parade Plaza, an application on Albert Quay, an outcome to the Precinct Investments plan at the Metropole, work getting a right move on Cornmarket Street, work continuing at Lancaster Quay, a city centre and a docklands surprise or two(!), movement on Victoria and Dennehy’s Crosses, a suburban retail/mixed-use initiative, Ladyswell (CitySquare), Clontarf Street, the long-awaited and badly needed Parnell Place/Beasly Street development currently held up in appeal, plans for Douglas Village redevelopment – and many more…
…also, we can expect a bit of a shake-up among the generally ‘local associated’ development groups as increased outsider activity emerges in the Cork market.
I hope 2006 will prove itself to be a positive year for the city in more ways than one – with acknowledgement of the pressure for good design through increasing numbers of distinguished architecturally sound proposals finding realisation. Not every building can or will be a Glucksman Gallery, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have – or should have – a few more. :p Let’s make 2006 a progressive stepping point in the furthering of better architectural and product standards.
Let’s hope this year is a prosperous one, and noteworthy for all the right reasons.
Happy New Year to you all.
Lexington
snoopdog – as for the Westend development, Mr. Kelleher is applying for a further provision on the development site consequent of reductions made during planning. The hope is to recoup some of the losses with redesigned and restructured elements.
@anto wrote:No wonder the “architecture” was dropped from the title of this thread!:D
A necessary comment anto?
Florence Properties (controlled by developer David Kennedy) and Chanterwork Properties have been greenlit by Dublin City Council (DCC) for a €400m redevelopment at historic Clancy Barracks which will include 950 residential units, 194-bedroom hotel (revised from an original plan for a 200-bedroom 15-storey hotel tower), retail and commercial facilities, creche, communcity and cultural centres, place of worship and medical centre. The project is to be built on the 5.6 hectare site (13.65 acres) across 45 blocks – 34 new and 11 refurbished buildings. Building heights will range from 1 to 9-storeys and 2 large basement car-parks are also to be constructed. The barracks wall along South Circular Road is to be removed so that the former military encasement can fully intergreate into the wider Kilmainham community with a series of retail units lining the road. The site was purchased from the State for a price-tage of around €25.4m – planning has been granted subject to a number of conditions which include the reduction of in the number of smaller units, and an increase in the number of larger units. DCC is seeking that at least 50% of apartments have floorspace greater than 80sq m, a min. of 25% of the houses sought have a min. floorspace of 90sq m and at least 15% of units will be greater than 100sq m. The redevelopment will also include a new primary school, bar and restaurants and a boardwalk along the southside of the Liffey. Access will be permitted to nearby Heuston Station from the development. An additional condition in the permit requires the developers to lodge a conservation report with the Irish Architectural Archive prior to construction. Design on the project is by Horan Keogan Ryan.
Took a right good look around Riverpoint yesterday – my first time since construction was complete and I have to say it looks great! If ever there was an advocate for considered high-rise, I think the Limerick quays display it aptly. Michael Daly (Fordmount Properties) and BKD seem to have drawn on American influences for the tower element, nonetheless it is well suited – I’m even happier to know that’s its use is predominantly office based rather than residential. I arrived at Riverpoint just as sunset and the building certainly came it to its own reflecting not only the river, but the multitude of golds, blues, greens and dusky greys provided by the fading sunlight of the evening sky. I wonder will the 10-storey element to the east detract from the tower’s impact however?
Well done to all involved and well done Limerick.
