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@Micko wrote:
Talking of the Metropole, I wouldn’t mind seeing some sort of plan for McCurtain street.
At the moment it has one hotel, a theatre, a few restaurants and a nice few pubs. SOme beautiful buildings there too. the building housing isaacs restaurant is nice, (the back with the waterfall is very classy).
Pity though that the street is left down by that awfully ugly Zanussi building beside Isaacs, not to mention the general seediness added by Cash Converters and the sex shop bang in the middle of the street.
Indeed that Zanussi Building is fair bad. Downgrades one of the most splendid city centre streets. Another street that needs serious addressing is the lower end of Oliver Plunkett Street, behind the Clarion. The paving is ridden with potholes, it is dirty, unkempt and a favourite for antisocial behaviour. It takes what is suppose to be and will be Corks new business district down a few notches. The city council should seriously look into it fast.
I mention that above as I was travelling the streets of Cork today. A couple of things struck me like the emerging shape of the second phase of Camden Court there on Carrolls Quay. I think pics are posted of it earlier in this thread. Though still shrouded in scaffolding already it is turning out to be one of Corks better and most striking apartment buildings. I can’t wait to see the finished product as it looks very impressive. More of this please.
I noticed that the rooftops of 21 Lavitts Quay are the latest haunt for the crowds of seagulls in and around the Lee. Any chance we’ll see Owen O’Callaghan out sometime soon with a rope, harness and a power hose in hand to rectify the consequences of hosting such visitors??? 🙂 A tidy up may be due.
Good to see this thread with a bit of life in it again.
@who_me wrote:
I’m actually a little surprised it got through, and mostly unscathed at that. I think it’s a stunning development, but it’s very tall, and likely to block views of the church behind it. Methinks there might still be a few groans and whines once people see it go up.
IF…….it goes up. And I really hope it does. Can you imagine driving along the quays and seeing this beauty all lit up at night. It’s interesting Mr Kenny carried this project the whole way through appeal despite losing out on the Revenue plan. It suggests he’s keeping his options open.
@lexington wrote:
*UPDATES* (8/2/2006)
😀 Paul Kenny’s The Treasury development originally intended for Revenue Commissioner contention, has been successful through the appeal process. The project was appealed on both a 1st Party (regarding contribution fees) and 3rd Party Basis (by Bell Scott Engineering & McLaughlins). The project was granted by the Bord (ABP) subject to reductions in height which involved the removal of the entire 4th floor at Block One (the south facing Patrick’s Quay section – although this will not affect the dramatic curved facade) and the removal of the 5th floor of Block Two (which backs onto the Lower Glanmire Road to the north). The floorspace of the approx. 12,000sq m office and retail project has been markedly reduced. Parking, in line with CCC implemented conditions, restraints at 150 basement spaces. Though the Wilson Architecture project lost out on the Revenue Commissioners bid, favourable market conditions leave the option open for Mr. Kenny to proceed with the development should he so wish at some future stage. The former Kirwan lot on the corner of Ship Street and Patrick’s Quay (which forms part of the subject site) is currently up for lease, this would suggest that development plans are likely to be put on hold for the interm.
Here you go phatman.
@lexington wrote:
*UPDATES* [15/02/2006]
:confused: Rothbury Estates, headed up by businessman Martin Buckley of the Reffond Textile Group, have withdrawn their substantial appllication to redevelop a 4-acre + area of land at the former Sunbeam Industrial Park. The site, which formerly housed textile activities controlled by Reffond, was damaged beyond repair in a devastating 2003 fire. Mr. Buckley subsequently initiated plans to redevelop the site enlisting Richard Rainey & Associates to draw up designs on a massive 64,761sq m scheme which included 260 residential units, a 100,000sq ft office building, retail warehousing, leisure centre, riverside park, creche and basement car-parking for 682 spaces over 2-levels. The proposal spread across 3 main blocks varying in heights of up to 8-storeys with Block A including a feature 18-storey (60 metre) residential tower.
(For more details see here.)
It is understood the planning application was withdrawn following disagreements between planners and the development team on the nature of the scheme. Rather than face refusal, the project has been withdrawn and will be subject to a number of revisions with a re-submission of the scheme hoped for later this year.
Saw this in the planning office a while back, its a funny scheme, I’m not quite sure about how its laid out. As a proposal in itself it seems like it could be very good for Blackpool. Design wise it is perhaps a little blocky and there is room for a little more flair. Usually Richard Rainey produce pretty quality stuff and I suppose I was a little let down by the results on this project. I think a landmark tower would go down well at this location but the way it’s proposed in this scheme is baffling, I don’t understand the proposed axis or orientation of the tower and its form is unsuited. At the very least, I would have thought the tower should be orientated facing the Mallow Road as it approaches the valley north to south. The tower is oval shaped and would be far more striking were in a taller, narrower, sleeker structure. In order to accentuate its nature, I would have suggest the lowering in heights of the surrounding blocks and the increase in tower height by at least 2 to 3 further storeys, it should lose the balconies and perhaps replace them with glazed features to give the tower a sleeker look. As proposed the tower was utterly lost in the overall bulk of the scheme.
Well the northside has lost out on another important investment after our illustrious city councillors voted against rezoning a patch of land by the Eircom switch centre near the Kilmore Road from light industrial to retail. The land would have provided a new Lidl supermarket and community centre. As far as I know Joe Gavin was pushing for this, but some of our councillors apparently decided against it because of a support campaign the supermarket had going the week previous…so??? The only people who are going to be short changed our the residents of the area. One councillor supposedly feared teenagers would have better access to alcopops…???…could not the same problem be said for the off licence and SuperValue nearby? More of it. Is it just Cork or are they like this in other cities too?
Whoa they’re some big pics. 🙂
Saw this passing the other day. Very industrial looking but I imagine once it is complete it will be a new style for the street. Should look well at night. Now if we could only do something about Singers Corner. Any night pics elvis?
Indeed nice to see the info popping up again. There’s a bulk of information there and I have many questions but 2 things stand out and thats the greenlighting by Pleanala of Paul Kenny’s proposal there for Saint Patricks Quay and the granting of the hotel by Pitwood. Both exciting schemes. I was lucky enough to have a very early participation in the former but whether or not it will go ahead is a wonder. I’d like to think it will given that, even though it will no longer host the Revenue, I think its high profile enough to stand on its own 2 feet. Not only would it be a great addition to Cork, I think it could serve Mister Kenny nicely as well.
@Saucy Jack wrote:
I’d love to see the planners report on that permission for Douglas Court.
The evolution of planning reports is very interesting. The consideration, depth, context and professionalism have greatly changed over the years. That’s not to knock the professionalism of earlier planners, but the standard and expectancy has been significantly anted up and this is reflected in modern reports. Having said that, you still get some comedians with conditions and rulings that perplex even the greatest of intellect.
@lawyer wrote:
That is Lough Mahon,
The Atlantic Pond is near Pairc Ui Chaoimh and the Marina.Sorry the old age is kicking in. 🙂
As for a counter lobby group to such protestors, the thing is with these people is not to fall into the same bucket as them but to rise above it and carry on doing the best you can with a clear mind and clear conscience. I admit I don’t think much of some of their public representatives, after all, it is my understanding a councillors job is to represent the publics best interests not their own, but sooner or later they surely realise their actions will only have negative long term impacts on their constituents.
Was visiting Mahonpoint today and it struck me the car centric shopping complex (I wish the corporation had shown some foresight getting a rail line from the docklands through here and out to Carrigaline) though finished nicely inside with a good build quality, the biggest fault of its design is its failure to utilise its wonderful waterside location. Its a pity the centre wasn’t orientated to avail of what are essentially stunning views over the Atlantic Pond instead of providing its best window frontages facing a car park and traffic clogged road.
I think somtimes we’re too critical. We give out that there’s no imagination ever being shown among Irish business and then when it is shown we all give out about it. Personally I don’t think the cable car format as is earns acceptability but at least it is imagination and they shouldn’t be attacked for that. It should be encouraged, but that doesn’t mean the first idea is always the right one. Back to the drawing board with this one I’d say.
Also, how come the poll has 3 negative answer options and only 1 positive?
Horgan’s Quay
Last June if I remember correctly Martin Cullen announced the government had approved the redevelopment of Horgans Quay with Manor Park Homes. The press statement noted that an application was now ready to enter planning. Nearly 7 months later and nothing. As for tweaking the project out, in fairness, they’ve had 8 years to do it…is this just yet another political hush ’em up? How many more months/years do we have to wait for a project that is already long overdue and will undoubtedly take a long time to great through planning let alone construction??? It seems a constant frustration.
@kite wrote:
😮 Every time i see Cllr.Buttimer i expect to see a ring in his nose, thats all he is short (excuse the pun) the way the residents and csd seem to lead him on to do their bidding.
I am of the same frame of mind about our councillors but its not just Jerry Buttimer…and I think people posting such perhaps watch their choice of wording when expressing disappointment at their public representatives.
As for who will have the application in first, Horgans Quay or Grand Parade retail scheme…God knows the former has been ongoing for nearly 9 years. I’ve no faith in CIE or the Government to deliver with their private developer…as far as I’m concerned we’ll probably see the retail scheme under construction before we ever see a crane over Horgans Quay.
Looking forward to see what Howard and Ascon have planned for Albert Quay indeed. I heard Ascon might go in for planning by the summer but I always figured Howard would look to buy their site out…probably not given the price they paid for the Doyle warehouse, might not make sense. I just hope STW don’t give us another grey shocker. Anyone else been tallying up their buildings around Cork? Anglsea Street – grey, School of Pharmacy – grey, Webworks – grey…I think Lapps Quay is the only project of theirs with a bit of colour and life to it. If they pursue that cold grey look again Albert Quay could turn out to be very boring. Maybe another firm are working on thr project, but if its STW I just hope the inject a little life and style into the quay to compliment the fine job across the river at Lapps Quay.
Anyone know who is handling the Ascon design for Albert Qy? Tony Dennehy? Jack Coughlan? Other???
I don’t think the Sextant is protected but it would be nice to see it incorporated in ay new scheme in some sort of novel way.
@kite wrote:
😮 I agree that the photo of Jurys is manipulated, but Victoria Mills out of date? maybe you are right..VM was out of date the day the plans were drawn up.
What is that dogbox like structure in the Shandon photo?, i thought that was manipulated as well until i passed there today and saw it for myself. Any wonder planning in Cork had a bad reputation?Thats Coppinger Court by Magee Creedon. Personally I think it is one of the better designed projects to have met the city in recent years. Quite rightly it picked up an RIAI award for best sustainable building. It may be worth taking a looking around, if you can, the development before judging it. Its a great playful and sensitive design given its difficult location. http://www.riai.ie/gallery.html?type=regional&year=2004&item=6
I don’t know about that Radioactiveman. I think the height is right but the design is faceless. But thats just me.
lexington again:
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.Anyone have opinions on that? I hear the developers are being told to cut it down to 6 floors and to remove the tower.
@kite wrote:
:confused: I think Lex may have moved many of his GREAT posts to….http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054862371&page=2
Thanks for the link kite. Hope they don’t mind me pickpocketing below.
From lexington originally:
BEGINS:
Revenue Commissioners Move Confirmed
As indicated in the 1st Post on 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/showp…75&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 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 and leisure provisions to boot. 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.
ENDSMe again:
This represents to me all that is indicative of the OPW. Its a shortsighted move meaning that now 600 or so Revenue staff, most residing in the south side of the city will have to make the daily trapse through the city centre to the northside. Its a logistical nightmare, and the impact on traffic will undoubtedly be significant as if it weren’t bad enough as it is. Were my hopes set to high that the OPW might show some foresight and relocate to somewhere like Saint Patricks Quay? Even a move to Centre Park Road, were many Revenue staff have been temporarily relocated would have made more geographic and logistical sense. Instead we can see another nice green area in the city’s northside lost to a monstrosity of a four storey building. All said I have to commend Ascon for fighting off some tough competition and am anxious to see what they’ve planned for one of the city’s most interesting sites at Sullivan Quay. Will imagnation be shown or can we expect another lot of apartments? Surely the location demands better than that.
