lexington
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The foundation stone of Cork City Hall along Terence MacSweeney Quay was laid by Eamon de Valera on the 9 July 1932. The present building replaces the former City Hall which was destroyed during the burning of Cork in 1920 and was designed by the Dublin-based architectural practice Jones & Kelly. Constructed by John Sisk & Sons Ltd, some departments of Cork Corporation opened in the new building in March 1935 and on the 24 April 1935 Cork Corporation held a meeting in the new hall for the first time. The City Hall was officially opened by Eamon de Valera on the 8 September 1936.
Not long after construction – Cork City Hall, late 1930s.The building is faced with dressed limestone quarried in Little Island and incorporates an elegant concert hall.
City Hall at NightFaced with growing pressures on office accommodation – more and more departments of Cork City Council were forced to occupy numerous premises off-site and away from City Hall. The City Council initiated a plan to develop a ‘one-stop’ civic offices destination on a site to the rear (south) of City Hall between Eglinton Street and Anglesea Street. A competition was tendered by the council which was won by a bid from Cleary Doyle Contractors and their design team, ABK Architects. Construction commenced on site in late 2004/early 2005 for an extension comprising of 90,000sq ft of news offices and 400 + parking spaces (basementa and roof-top).
Images of the new Cork City Hall Extension designed by ABK Architects, built by Cleary Doyle Contractors – construction is scheduled for completion in early 2006.
Some images of Cork City Hall facing south from Lapps Quay and South Mall respectively.
Images the copyright of John Herriott.Formally launched in May 22th 2002 – the UCC Biosciences Building, designed by Murray O’Laoire Achitects is scheduled for a 7-storey extension. The Biosciences Research Institute is a 6700 sq.m. building housing six post-graduate Bioscience Research departments drawn from all the Life-Science faculties at UCC, including Medicine, Anatomy, Food Science and Health, Biochemistry, & Biotechnology. UCC are seeking permission for an extension of 1505sq m over 7-floors. The additional floorspace will allow for a further laborartory and overhead office space to be provided.
A view facing South of the Bioscience Building at UCC.The application comes following a further application for an extension to the Tyndall Institute along Dyke Parade and a refusal by ABP for the university’s proposal Outreach Centre along the Mardyke Fields.
🙂 Frinailla have been granted planning following appeal for their Springmount development in Glanmire, designed by Kiosk Architects. Originally lodged as an application for 65 duplex (40) and apartment (25) units, following revisions, the scheme was reduced to 49 units of which only 47 were granted by CorkCoCo. The scheme for the steep sloping 1.2 hectare site (which was sold through Global Properties for a price estimated at around €4m) was appealed by the Ballincrossig Residents Association. In his report, ABP Planning Inspector David Dunne noted, “Kiosk Architects have not taken the easy option of designing a standard and bland apartment scheme but have put considerable effort and skill into designing a development of merit on a challenging site.” A grant was afforded with respect to the revised proposal submitted during Further Information with CorkCoCo.
😎 Midelton Town Council have appealed CorkCoCo’s decision to grant a project by BrideView Developments at the former Lakeview Estate at Castleredmond in Midelton. The estate, purchased through Cohalan Downing Associates for an estimated €19m by Declan O’Mahony’s development business, was the subject of a proposal for 429 residential units designed by O’Mahony Pike Architects (328 apartments across a single building ranging in heights of up to 5-storeys and 101 houses). The project, which also included a number of amenity elements, was permitted subject to a number of reduction inducing conditions – these of which have been also appealed by BrideView Developments on a First Party Basis.
😎 University College Cork are to lodge plans to develop a 4390sq m, 4-storey laboratory building along Dyke Parade as part of the Tyndall Institute (former NMRC). The new building will link to to the existing Lee Maltings building (PS) via a glazed atrium street.– meanwhile, further west along the Mardyke Parade, UCC have been refused by ABP (despite the Planning Inspector’s recommendation) to develop a new 2-storey outreach centre (some 12,000sq ft) designed by Jack Coughlan & Associates. The building would include lecture theatres, a resource centre and cafe – with landscaped access to the new Mardyke Pedestrian Bridge (part of the “Banks of the Lee” project).
Tyndall InstituteFirst off, an image of the Court House on Washington Street – one I’ve tried, but failed to capture in my own time, and I believe gives a good perspective of the building which is often difficult to encompass through photography from this angle given its proximity to buildings on the south side of the street.
The present Cork Court House was built in 1895 and stands on the site of the original 1836 Court House designed by George Richard Pain and his brother James which was destroyed by fire in 1891. A competition was subsequently instigated by the Corporation of Cork and the Commissioners, in which there was a condition requiring the preservation of the portico and fa
(Ref: C:A&D thread [“developments in cork”] Post #: 553)
@lexington wrote:
An application for a redevelopment of the Muskerry Service Station, a prominent 0.6acre site along the Western Road (next to UCC and a substantial redevelopment by OCP of the former Jurys Doyle Hotel lands) which sold earlier this year through CBRE Gunne from vendors Esso Ireland for a figure in excess of €8m – is believed to be not far off. The service station, which was due to close this October, is now not expected to seize operations until a later date, supposedly late December 2005. Assessments are being carried out on the site with a planning application speculated to follow in the not too distant future.
The Muskerry Service Station along the Western Road – a hop west across the river from the former Jurys Doyle site currently being redeveloped by OCP – has shut its doors and a fence has been erected around the 0.6 acre site. The site was disposed of through agents CBRE Gunne as part of ExxonMobil (Esso) plans to focus on its core Irish markets – which centre around the Dublin city region. The site was understood to have changed hands for a figure in excess of €8m (equating roughly to a value of €13m per acre). The site was sold to a developer understood to be seeking the realisation of a predominantly residential project over basement. The building could well reach to 6-storeys (taking the nearby Jurys as a benchmark) and include a waterfront amenity provision around the river facing parameter of the site – however these details are purely speculative for the time being. An application, originally slated for December – is expected in the not too distant future.
😎 And just as a point of interest for anyone in the area, one of the 2 commercial units available at BrideView Developments recently completed development, Unity House on the site of the former McCarthy family’s Unity Garage between Alfred Street and the Lower Glanmire Road – is destined to be yet another Subway Sandwich Bar. Another franchised unit exists east along MacCurtain Street. This will give the operation bookends.
Unity House@corkdood wrote:
Lexington, Just digging up an old post of yours from earlier on this year. Has planning permission been given for this development including the private aspect?
Yes – the project was cleared by CCC for a proportionately reduced scheme – I think approx. 360 units, clumsily I don’t have the exact figure to hand – but I believe construction should be ready for 2006.
@kite wrote:
😎 Great photos, is that Quay now called the North Mall?, can’t figure it out.
No – North Mall is the opposite side of the river, visible in that image to the left. Bachelor’s Quay borders Grenville Place and is accessible from North Mall using the beautiful iron Distillery Bridge. Among the Georgians along this quayside is the former residence of George Boole.
@kite wrote:
😮 Newspaper reports that Dublin is considering a Manhattan style development in the docklands area really annoys me.
Cork’s Docklands are ripe for this type of development, the City Manager and his team (Jim O’Donovan will be sorely missed) are pushing (dragging) the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil dinosaurs that we have as City Councilors to the start line for years, but as is the case with CIE (event centre, ect) the cozy club of councilors do not want to step on toes or rock the boat. At this rate Cork will be the 4th or 5th city in Ireland in 5 years time.
On a related point, does anybody know what the outcome of the CHQ site High Court case as reported in the IE some weeks ago was? This site would be crucial to any redevelopment of Corks Docklands.Re: “Manhattan Style” development– I agree that Cork should avail of further high-rise provisions, however this must be done so with careful consideration and in the right locations. For example, the gateway locations east, north, south and west – and the south docklands. I believe highrise provision along the northern quays should generally be restrained with maximum building heights touching on 7-storeys (7 w/ 2 recessed levels in the case of Water Street) with no more than 3 (possibly 4) slender profile landmark towers in areas like Water Street, Horgan’s/Kent Square and an additional location further east – this is so perspectives of the charming Northern Ridge are minimally impacted (see below):
View of Northern Ridge with Horgan’s Quay in view north of the river – image copyright of DevinTo the south docklands, there is greater scope for such provision – but again slender profile is the key. Also, in developing such high-profile buildings, it would be my view that concentration and superior design quality is paramount. This means innvoation – not Praia de Rocha replicas. It means defining a character distinct to the city and region with taste and creating structures that justify themselves in the long-run on grounds of structural ingenuity, form and first-class exploration in design standards. However, that said, I do not believe a ‘Manhattan’ scenario is realistic or desireable – when I say concentration, I mean relative proximity of about 6 or maybe 7 key feature towers in the south docklands area, not a jungle of balcony-ridden, bare-faced tower structures. Cork should be confident enough to define its own high-rise character and not ‘follow the pack’. It should set the standards and not follow them.
Re: Event Centre – as I refered to in earlier posts, progress is being made. Trust me that results will start showing sooner rather than later in the new year. The fact is, the heat is on and of developers are to successful in exploiting this market opportunity they know they need to be in there first and with the best proposal (financially, use-wise and design-wise) to convince the public and CCC over. Whatever about Horgan’s Quay – I personally believe the Munster Agricultural Showgrounds offers the best location for such a centre logistically, although ideally, of course, Horgan’s Quay would be an attractive location. Regarding the MAS, 3 solid proposals are in the making – with Howard Holdings having indicated a willingness to develop such a centre as part of their wider masterplan redevelopment of the Ford site and possibly Tedcastles and MAS sites]Custom House Quay[/I], no news yet concerning the long-running Ochre Ridge fiasco. The CHQ site is superb location wise – however it is a very difficult site to work with. Its acquisitionn will undoubtedly be a trophy for any prospective developer (I have hinted at a possible involvement here in the past, but heard little since) but an expensive one.
A number of issues arise with this site. First, the Port of Cork HQ at Custom House, will quite feasibly remain in the possession of the PoC – the structure is protected and so too is the Cork Bonded Warehouse offices to its rear and Port of Cork warehousing running centre along the quay – their retention is not up for discussion.
Rear of Custom House, Cork Bonded Warehousing office and Port of Cork warehousing (under lease to CBW) can be seen in this east-to-west persepctive.Furthermore, Custom House Quay and Anderson’s Quay (to a lesser extent) possess some beautiful cobbled stonework which pave the quaysides. Understandly, during any construction they will have to be removed, but their reinstation would be very much required.
Cobbled stonework on Custom House Quay (first image) and Anderson’s Quay (second image).The renovation and conversion of the protected warehousing structures is warranted in any redevelopment, with perhaps the installation of sequenced glass skylights installed at roof-top level to allow an available source of natural light access the interior holds.
The only available area particularly suited to mass redevelopment is the unkempt Cork Bonded Warehouses extension to the far east.
The CBW extension is clearly defined on the eastern head of the site as distinct from the PoC warehousing.
Aerial view of CHQ – note the variation in warehousing.The CBW extension could well be demolished with the remaining site area to the eastern head allocated for development. A number of factors emerge here – 1st: the site prominence, 2nd: the relationship of any new development to the PoC warehousing and 3rd: the type of development justified with respect to land values and viability issues.
The value of the land (est’d at between €6.75m and €8.5m – which is quite reasonable given the site constraints) would perhaps dictate a taller structure. The problem here is that any taller structure would have to be of some pretty amazing design to justify its provision. The site prominence and relationship to PS all come into play here. Often the first viewpoint of Cork city centre island for visitors, the design of any new build will have to be of true, international landmark status – no ifs or buts. A waterbus docking or marina facility could perhaps be provided in some small part at the site tip – however river dimensions may complicate this. A boardwalk and docking pontoon could be provided off the cobbled quayside and clearly any parking associated with a redevelopment will have to be off-site.
Source:Cork Camera Club
Bachelor’s Quay
The photograph shows workmen repairing paving stones on Bachelor’s Quay. Bachelor’s Quay was once a fashionable promenade and the site of the houses of wealthy businessmen. When the wealthier citizens of Cork left the city centre for the more fashionable suburbs their former houses on Bachelor’s Quay became tenements. Some fine Georgian structures remain today toward the western end of the quay, although they are in dire need of renovation. In this image, the original copper-edged North Gate Bridge (an infinitely more attractive specimen than its existing counterpart) can be seen in the background.
Rope Walk
Crawling up the steep northern slopes to Sunday’s Well from the site formerly servant to Irish Distillers just off North MallRope Walk was the site of a rope-walk where ropes were formed by the process of laying and stranding lengths of spun yarn. The imposing figure of St. Vincent’s Cathedral can be seen in the background.Dunscombe Fountain – lower Shandon Street
The fountain which stood near the foot of Shandon Street was known as the Dunscombe Testimonial Fountain. The Dunscombe family had been associated with Cork since the seventeenth century. The area around the fountain was used by street vendors selling clothes. Holly and ivy was sold there during Christmas.Saint Patrick’s Quay
Given the prospect of the quaysides redevelopment – see here; it is perhaps worthy of reflection on the quays former incarnation. Like most of the quays in Cork, Saint Patrick’s Quay was constructed during the nineteenth century. The quays along the North Channel are generally founded on massed concrete. The quay walls are built from rubble masonry and faced with limestone behind timber pilings. At the time the photograph was taken in 1939, the premises on the quay included garages, public houses, offices of shipping agents, coal merchants’ stores and the coal stores of the Metropole Hotel. Note the active uses along Merchant’s Quay to the south (left).
@Paul Clerkin wrote:What I love about St Fin Barres is that it’s so small – its a scaled down cathedral. The interior is so much better than the exterior though, where I think the shortness of the plan really manifests itself
I find a comparison of the the former incranation of St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral quite striking when weighed against the Burges’ creation – the former pales in comparison, and amazingly maintains the same sacred site with almost no variation in parameters build-on-build. See below.
Just to update on the situation, recent info from a well attached source regarding the project’s redevelopment has stated that an application could be ready to go in 2006 – however for now, a number of issues were still going through the mill. Issues highlighted were the on-going discussions between Manor Park Homebuilders and CCC over a number of topics – not least a continued push for a stronger retail/commercial element and building heights. The commencement of a ‘Stakeholders Forum’ is seen an important point of discussion and the developers will be anxious to finalise agreement with the Port of Cork regarding Horgan’s Quay encroachment. As part of the development, MPH are hoping to push the site line south onto the quays to allow for better waterfrontage with the proposed new blocks and the provision of a quay length promenade and boardwalk facility with possible marina. They wish is to finalise these details early in the New Year and recent moves by the Port of Cork commence a phased relocation to Ringaskiddy are seen a positive move on all fronts. As for progress on building heights, in situ with the North Docklands Local Area Plan 2005 – MPH and OMP said that at least 2 with a possible 3rd high-rise element will be included – though not specified where, it is believed they will conform to locations set out by CCC at Horgan’s Square, the Water Street/Horgan’s Quay corner and a location further west along the quay. MPH had requested an allowance of building heights to range from 4 to 14 storeys, however this was rejected by City Manager Joe Gavin on the basis that extensive high-rise patterns along the site would ruin visual perspectives from the south of the attractive Northern Ridge. The source indicated that generally building heights would front at 7-storeys along the quay-front with heights recessing to the rear. A landmark element at Horgan’s Square would rise between 10 and 14-storeys although this height was yet to finalised and may likely compose of a hotel element. Also indicated, confirmation that alternate avenues were being discussed regarding an event centre – which may include a deal between MPH and Paul Montgomery. While those details were being devised, work would push on the other aspects of the development. The source did indicate that the timing of the application was all subject to the outcome of discussions, but MPH were committed to the quayside’s long-term redevelopment and were ideally hoping to have the first application in planning for late Spring of 2006. As said, this timeframe could adjust in light of discussion outcomes. The source said they expected planning to take at least a year and if successful would commence almost immediately on site by Summer/Autumn of 2007. No indication was made regarding CIE’s promise to have a redeveloped rail terminal in place by 2007 at Kent other than that the 2 sides were working closely together and that the new facility should be operational in tandem with the opening of the new Cork-Midelton commuter rail line (this is set for 2009).
@A-ha wrote:Oh, and really, can we change the title of the thread to something that includes capital letters, like “Developments in Cork”. Sorry for sounding like a weirdo, but it really annoys me.
I sent a message to Paul Clerkin about it – I know its a small thing, but it would be nice. Haven’t heard anything back. May be you’ll have more luck if you ask nicely. 😀
@Pepsi wrote:
Is that a restaurant I see going on top of Cork County Hall?
No – although that would be nice. There was talk of it at one stage but it is not to designated as a ‘Hospitality Suite’ by Cork County Council. So all the visiting politicians and initiative launches and so on now have a venue with a spectacular view. So if you’re a visiting royal you’re sorted! 😉
Here’s just an image of the quay as it exits (although a little out of date!) – the Metropole building (set to be demolished as part of the Precinct plan can be seen to the right, a predominantly ‘grey’ 6-storey structure (since repainted bright lemon). The quayside is immensely imbalanced in terms of its structures and also in terms of development – given its proximity to St. Patrick’s Street, the Horgan’s Quay redevelopment and emerging office quarter – the quayside is ripe for renewal. As it exists, the poor mix and variation of structures (like the single to 2-storey industrial facade fronts that hide larger vacant spaces – currently acting as level public car-parks) allow for unisghtly views from Merchants Quay, Andersons Quay, Parnell Place and Patrick’s Street to the grey and rather drab rear elevations of older buildings fronting MacCurtain Street. In this context, the Metropole development should be considered empircally with a view to the quay’s broader redevelopment (with the PJ O’Hea premises, Everyman Palace & quayside car-parks all prime redevelopment targets).
I can make a larger image of the Metropole development available – but as I said in the earlier post, it is still very blurry par the problems I outlined.
Before I begin this post, I must apologise for the size of the image posted – the image, originally .PNG format seemed to work fine when I received it, but after converting it to .JPG, when I enlarged it, the image blurred terribly, so I reduced the size again – however the blur remained(???) I tried converting it back to its original format but the blur has not changed. I will try scanning the image again soon, but for now…
…this is a perspective of Precinct Investments redevelopment plans for St. Patrick’s Quay and the Metropole Hotel, designed by O’Mahony Pike Architects. The proposal seeks to construct a new mixed-use development which will include the demolition of the much loathed St. Patrick’s Quay extension to the Metropole Hotel fronting St. Patrick’s Quay, the demolition will also include the removal of the recently added leisure centre. 61 residential units, 5 retail units, 87 basement car-parking spaces (over 4 split levels) and a 3556sq m extension to the hotel. In place of the aging extension, a 7-storey block is now proposed which will include conferencing facilities and 44 new bedrooms overhead – as part of additional developmet on the quay, 3 retail units with 34 overhead apartments divided between 2 blocks (5 & 6-storeys with 2-set back levels) including 10 x 1-bedroom units, 19 x 2-bedroom units and 5 x 3-bedroom units. The attractive red-brick building on the corner of Harley Street and St. Patrick’s Quay will be restored and converted to a live/work unit with commercial use at street-level and residential overhead. Fronting Harley Street, 2 retail units are to be provided with 15 overhead apartments in blocks of 4 & 6 storeys with 3-set back storeys – here 4 x 1-bedroom & 11 x 2-bedroom units will be provided. From Harley Street access will also be provided to a courtyard – to this, 1 block rising to 12-storeys over basement will provide an additional 11 x 2-bedroom and 1 x 3-bedroom units. The entire site encompasses 0.2732 hectares and includes the area occupied by the existing Metropole Hotel bounded by Harley Street, St. Patrick’s Quay, MacCurtain Street and the Everyman Palace. An extensive refurbishment of the existing hotel fronting MacCurtain Street (a PS) will also be enacted.
The 12-storey tower element, finished with red-brick materials, according to the architects is intended to act as a landmark/gate-way device in light of the prospective Harley Street Bridge proposed to link Merchants Quay and St. Patrick’s Quay. South across the river, the possibility of a facelifted facade at Merchants Quay is doing the rounds at the rumour mill.
🙂 Joe Gavin, Cork City Manager, has according to a local press publication – confirmed news posted here on this Archiseek.com thread first – that investor Joe O’Donovan has been in active discussion with CCC about the redevelopment of his recently acquired properties at Grand Parade, Market Lane and Patrick’s Street (and possibly Oliver Plunkett Street) for use as a major multi-level higher order retail facility.Related posts may be found here:
1. https://archiseek.com/content/showpost.php?p=39356&postcount=475
2. https://archiseek.com/content/showpost.php?p=41409&postcount=835
3. https://archiseek.com/content/showpost.php?p=43573&postcount=1128(P.S. If anyone has a copy of the article – I understand, in the Evening Echo – I would be greatly appreciative if they could post it up here. Thank you in advance! 😉 )
*UPDATES*
😎 Frinailla are lodging plans with CorkCoCo for the development of 132 new homes at Castletreasure in Douglas. 44 3-bedroom homes, 10 4-bedroom homes and 1 5-bedroom homes are to be built alongside 77 apartments (11 x 1-bedroom, 60 x 2-bedroom and 6 x 3-bedroom) over 7 blocks ranging in height from 3 to 4-storeys.
@bunch wrote:J O’ D?
So I’ve heard – I think he is being moved to Community & Enterprise whilst Kevin Terry (City Engineer/Roads Dept) is being moved to Planning (feel free to correct me on that). I think Pat Ledwidge is taking over the Docklands Office from Dan Buggy.
Mr. O’Donovan – along with City Manager Joe Gavin and planners like Ronnie McDowell, can be credited as being at the helm of the beginning of one of Cork’s most exciting development phases. Mr. O’Donovan helped clear such vital projects as Frinailla’s CitySquare proposal at Ladyswell to name but one example – and was instrumental in numerous other proposals that have helped Cork regenerate – often despite many realms of opposition. In part, he helped aid a revision of perceptions associated with Cork as a centre for investment by overseeing a planning department that was generally willing to work with developers, architects, planners and engineers to carve better standards of investment and working constructively to realise such proposals. I hope that Mr. Terry – and Mr. Ledwidge who takes office at the brink of substantial docklands redevelopment – can take their positions with a view to the long-term and embrace the years to come with open and thoughtful mindsets, as well as maintaining the demand for higher quality design and development compositions.
I wish Mr. O’Donovan the best of success in his new department.
😎 Almost a year precisely has passed since Charles & Helen McCarthy lodged plans to redevelop their Mill Business Centre premises at Crosses Green with a controversial hotel designed by Derek Tynan & Associates (see image below)…
…the 7-storey proposal of 96-bedrooms created much controversy given its height and proximity to St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral with concerns raised over the damaging effect it would bestow on the Southern Channel vista enjoyed from Sullivans Quay looking west. The plan was ultmately granted subject to a 2-storey reduction and revised bedroom number of 63. Now, a revised plan is to be lodged after assessment of the hotel market in Cork and with respect to viability issues given the permitted developments reduced bedroom numbers. It is understoof Derek Tynan & Associates have been retained to design a new scheme which will see the redevelopment of the Mill Business Centre as a new part 3-storey, part 5-storey open plan office building with river fronting amenity space all over basement parking for 15 spaces.
@ewankennedy wrote:
A taller building could well be accomodated on the Coca cola site but the design will have to be something really really special and act as a proper landmark not another balcony ridden standard. Something special here please that acts as a proper landmark to the city from the west and respects County hall. The good thing about the Coca cola site is its L shape which could allow for a higher element to rise west to east on the south of the site and peak in the southeast corner before sloping down to the north allowing maintained views of County hall. And when i say slope I mean curves not edges!! :p
That’s my feeling too, the site should be utilised in this case to shape the building itself – an upwarded sloping west-to-east wing peaking in the southwest corner and then sloping downwards to the north allowing generally unobstrusive views to Cork County Hall when travelling east along the Carrigrohane Road from Ballincollig. It would be nice for a sleeker design here not riddled with balconies but smoothly curved elevations. Recreational provision may be allocated in communal grass roof-gardens or park landscaping around and atop of the building.
Belfast-based Regeneration Developments has lodged planning for a significant city centre redevelopment project which will secure Limerick’s position as the prime retail centre in the Mid-West. Lafferty Design are behind the proposal’s form which will include the demolition of numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7 Rutland Street, a 5-storey office block at the junction of Patrick and Ellen Streets, No.6 Patrick Street, No.3 Ellen Street as well as the Eurosurf and Workspace premises on Michael Street. Further demolition will take place at numbers 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Ellen Street, No.5 Patrick Street and numbers 8 & 9 Rutland Street all with facade retention. No.4 Patrick Street will see refurbishment and change of use to civic functions while the large project to be realised will comprise of a retail development over 4 levels including basement with a gross area of 28,000sq m. As part of the application, 2 additional levels will be provided to the multi-storey car-park at Denmark Street which will link to the new development via an enclosed glass-top pedestrian bridge spanning Market Alley and across Ellen Street above 2nd floor level.
Regeneration Developments is headed up by businessman Suneil Sharma.
😀 The fast renewing suburb of Blackpool is now subject to yet another extensive new regenerative development – following extensive preplanning discussion, Mallow-based Rothbury Estates (linked to the the textile Reffond Group backed by businessman Martin Buckley) looks set to lodge plans with CCC for a massive €105m redevelopment scheme at the 4.34 acre former Sunbeam Factory site located between the Old Mallow Road to the east and Commons Road to the west.
The mixed-use proposal will seek to realise a development encompassing a gross area of 64,761sq m – of which 19,297sq m will be occupied by 260 new residential apartment units broken down as follows: 37 x 1-bedroom, 197 x 2-bedroom and 26 x 3-bedroom units.
The scheme will evolve over 3-blocks:
Blocks 1, 2 and 3 will generally vary in heights of between 5 and 7-storeys with an 8th storey recess – however, Block 1 will also contain a feature tower rising to a height of 18-storeys making it one of Cork’s tallest buildings.Constituent of Block 1 – 77 apartments will be located on the lower-level of the block with 78 further units, all with balconies or roof-terrace provision, being catered for as part of the tower element. A large retail warehousing unit (2, 633sq m) and garden centre will be located a ground-floor level.
Block 2 will home 56 additional apartment units over a further, though smaller retail warehousing unit of 1,813sq m.
Meanwhile, Block 3 will include 49 apartment units over a convenience retail unit, leisure centre, play centre for children, creche and 3-storey cafe. Adjoining the block, a large 6-storey with 7th level setback office building will be provided – at 12,707sq m it will be among Cork’s largest prospective office provisions.
The massive redevelopment scheme will be constructed over a dual-deck basement parking facility for 682 cars – further incorporated, a new riverside park will be provided along the River Bride (which will be subject to realignment) and a new vehicular and pedestrian bridge.
The height of the buildings should come as no surprise given that the area has been designated in the Cork City Development Plan 2004 as being capable of handling taller structures to act as landmark figures to the Northern City Gateway – (as a matter of clarity is not the taller “high-rise” structure I referred to in the LADSOCL thread as being assessed for Blackpool all those many posts ago).
The proposal, if successful, will solidify Blackpool’s fast emerging “destination” profile and add another significant boost to the area which has already benefit so well from the likes of development afforded by The Shipton Group at Blackpool Park and Shopping Centre. The Sunbeam Estate had been subject to a devastating fire back in 2003. Hope to have images up soon. Kinsale-based Richard Rainey & Associates are responsible for the design.
The tragic fire which engulfed the Sunbeam Industrial Estate back in 2003
*UPDATES*lexington wrote:🙂 Development possibilities are potentially ripe for the former Coca-Cola Bottling facility along the Carrigrohane “Straight” Road. Lisney are in the final stages of closing a deal on the 1.7 acre premises which is expected to ultimately sell at approx. €]🙂 As posted on page 15 of this thread (Post #367) the Coca-Cola Bottling facility along the Carrigrohane “Straight” Road was sold via Lisney with a guide price of approx. €5m. The final sale figure is now believed to be in the region of €8m and was attained by Killarney-based David Crowe’s Oyster Developments (interestingly Mr. Crowe was also responsible for the purchase of the Coca-Cola facility in Killarney – just west of St. Patrick’s Church in the town centre – which he redeveloped as The Courtyard residential complex). The site is understood to be out for design tender with development plans expected to be lodged mid-2006. The opportunity exists for Oyster Developments to produce a significant landmark project which acts in a complimentary fashion to the area – with respect for not only Cork County Hall, but the prospect of a large new recreational park to the west along the Carrigrohane Road. Mr. Crowe had previously expressed the desire to develop a 16-storey tower at Deane Street – this was subsequently ruled out by CCC at prelanning stages – this new site acquisition however offers him with the opportunity to realise his earlier intentions, however, given the sensitive location of the site, eyes will be peeled on design standards employed with the new residential project.
@lexington wrote:
…It is widely speculated that Mr. Montgomery, in conjunction with another prominent city-based developer, has had some involvement with this Horgan’s Quay plot. CIE had been most reluctant to allow the development of such a facility on its lands historically, it was felt that land provision (requested by CCC) would eat into the potential it sought to gain from its preferred development options – as envisioned with MPH. However, a resolution is assumed to be in the air, following the latest rounds of 3-way talks. A deal may yet see Mr. Montgomery engage with MPH in the delivery of an event centre here…
According to media reports in local press today – further backing was put to the involvement of Paul Montgomery in developing a new event centre, in conjunction with Manor Park Homebuilders. I put note on that back in the LADSOCL thread. However, besides the OCP proposal for MahonPoint, there are 3 other active bids in the run for construction of a new event centre. More details will be brought to you on those – when I can, but given the sensitive nature of the proposals, it will all depend on timing.
*UPDATES*😎 It is understood Oyster Developments are to be greenlit on their revised plans to develop a 7-storey office building at Deane Street – designed by The e-Project. The proposal design was subject to criticism by An Taisce, which representative Kevin Hurley noted as being devoid of any architectural distinction unlike its propsective neighbour across the road at CentrePoint on Clontraf Street which exhibit some architectural merit. The proposal will form Phase 1 of a 2 phase development which will include the incorporation of No.8 Parnell Place (a PS) already granted for renovation and change of use to retail office provision. Should no appeal follow, Mangerton Construction are could to be ready to move in on the site come early 2006. Permission was granted subject to the removal of the 2nd floor, revising the project floors to 6, from 7.
[– meanwhile, David Crowe’s other interest at Blackrock Road (the former ESB substation site) for 7 x 2-bedroom apartments over 3 retail units (also designed by The e-Project) and which was subject to fierce objection (76 individual submissions including the likes of Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Michael Martin) has received Further Information and revised plans for the proposal which is now due a decision on January 17th 2005.
🙂 Howard Holdings have been greenlit for a 114sq m extension at 3rd floor to the norther elevation of their WebWorks development currently nearing construction at Albert Quay. Design is by Scott Tallon Walker with John Paul Construction as main contractors.For images see -> http://www.stw.ie/Projects/project.asp?id=189
🙂 More good news for Howard Holdings as their proposal for Passage West was all cleared – CorkCoCo decided to grant their application for 16 no. duplex town houses, 16 no. apartments and 16 no. town houses at the grounds of the former Convent of Mercy, overlooking the Great Island Channel which leads from the Atlantic Pond to Cork Harbour proper. 66 parking spaces will also be provided as part of the development.
😎 With the prospect of refusal at hand, John Keating’s proposal for the former Keating Bakery along the Tramore Road has been withdrawn. The plan had proposed construction of basement car park with a total of 60 spaces, 40 no. two bedroom apartments, four individual blocks comprising of 16 no. two bedroomed garden apartments, 16 no. three bedroomed duplex apartments. Colum P.Murphy & Co handled the proposal which was originally submitted for planning on the 23rd of June 2005.@securityman wrote:
However I think that they also need to look at getting another couple of car parks to meet the demand of visiting tourists because at times you could be wondering around all day for a spot and its not safe to leave your car on the street as the dreaded clampers might take it away.
Personally, I don’t think more city centre car-parks (other than basement facilities associated with residential or office developments) are desireable. We need to start focusing on the long-run – and that means keeping vehicles (other than emergency and deliveries) out of the city centre. Sustainable options of infastructure need to be employed – the one thing I find regretable not being included in either the CCDP 2003/4 is aim to, at the very least, conduct a major study into public transport alternatives beyond the references made to automated or dedicated green-bus routes. The Midelton Line is one thing, but I think, we need to think beyond that – where efficient light-rail links connect the extended/reconfigured city centre along the docklands with centres like Ballincollig, Bandon, Ringaskiddy/Carrigaline and of course the proposals for Blarney, Mallow, Blackpool, Midelton, Glounthane, Cobh and Dunkettle/Glanmire. Regular, efficient and safe services should serve commuter traffic which should ideally depot at facilities in Ballincollig in the east (i.e. Macroom, Killarney etc commuters), Dunkettle (like the P&R to serve commuters from Rathcormac, Fermoy etc) and so on. Further pedestrian provision needs to be promoted across the city centre island with greater emphasis placed on utilising river/quayside walkways/boardwalks – with full pedestrianisation in zones like Patrick Street, Grand Parade, Washington Street, North Main Street, South Main Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Maylor Street, Parnell Place and the French Quarter at peak times 8:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Saturdays. But I’m afraid I’m firmly in the “reduce city centre vehicular traffic” camp. 🙂
As for the bars, I previously noted Joe O’Donovan’s purchase of the YCMS premises at Paradise Place, he purchased the facility in late 2004 for €2.2m through Dominic Daly Auctioneers on a guide of €975,000. The 8,000sq ft has great potential for nightclub use and may compliment plans of his concerning Oliver Plunkett Street/Grand Parade/St. Patrick’s Street.Meanwhile, The Classic is still doing the legal rounds!
