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A Developing City

Recently permitted developments are transforming the physical appearance of Cork City in a positive fashion.  Many of these developments were processed expeditiously by the Planning Directorate and were not the subject of planning appeals which reflects well on the constructive engagement and dialogue between the Directorate staff and the development industry in the City. 

Key recent developments permitted would include for the following:- 

Comparison Retail

Over 0.5 million square feet of comparison retailing which greatly strengthens the retail base of the city, removes dereliction and increases the vitality and pedestrian activity on central area laneways./p>

1. Guy’s Site, Cornmarket Street
2. Opera Lane, St. Patrick’s Street
3. Dunnes Stores, St. Patrick’s Street
4. Lavitt’s Quay

Ireland’s Tallest Building as part of the Elysian mixed use scheme at Eglinton Street.

The new City Hall (Royal Institute of British Architects award winner) and the revamped County Hall with new library.

Central area expansion to Cork Docklands with the Clarion Hotel, offices and new boardwalk at Lapp’s Quay, and the new Webworks at Albert Quay.

New institutional buildings of merit including 

• Cork School of Music, Union Quay
• St. John’s VEC Campus, Sawmill Street
• CIT Library, Bishopstown (RIAI Gold Medal)
• UCC buildings including the Glucksman Art Gallery, the Tyndall Institute, the Brookfield campus, new Boole Library, new School of Pharmacy, new IT Building, new Student Centre and Honan Square.

Cork Docklands:

Major recently permitted schemes processed and permitted by the Planning Directorate:-

1. Atlantic Quarter, Centre Park Road.  This mixed use scheme designed by four architectural practices of 2.5 million square feet was the largest scheme ever received by the Planning Directorate.  Included are two towers of 27 / 20 floors.  This permitted scheme was not appealed.
2. McMahon Timber Yard, CHC Site, Lower Road.  Permission granted for dockland mixed-use scheme including 215 apartments with retention of on-site conservation features of merit. 

Extensive pre-planning discussions are on-going with other key landowners in the North and South Docks.  It is anticipated that subject to a resurgence in the national economy that work on these major projects will commence and which has the potential to deliver a new residential population of 20,000 with 25,000 new jobs. 

New suburban shopping centres at Mahon and Blackpool.

New office units of merit including: 

• City Gate, Mahon
• Tellengana 
• Revenue Commissioners Offices, Blackpool.

Residential Schemes Of Note: 

• Ursuline Convent 
• Coppinger Court, Pope’s Quay