PLANNING PERMISSION has been sought for a major development in the Cork docklands which the promoter says could create up to 5,000 jobs.
The depressed state of the market means it could be several years, however, before the project proceeds, the developer said yesterday. Businessman Gerry Wycherley said the decision to apply for planning permission to develop the 24-acre site at the Marina Commercial Park had been taken in preparation for an improvement in the market over the next five to 10 years.
Obtaining planning permission would mean the project would be ready to start once the market improved. Mr Wycherley said the 2.5 million sq ft development would include 880 apartments along 350m (1,150ft) of quay front, providing accommodation for 2,230 people.
It would also include some 750,000sq ft of office space, some 200,000sq ft for business and technology use, just under 200,000sq ft for retail and almost 150,000sq ft for commercial use with retail and commercial located off Centre Park Road.
“Obviously, at the moment, the residential market has bombed so we won’t start building the residential part of the project until there is a clear demand and we can move units. But I’m confident that the market will pick up. The demographics are good in that regard,” Mr Wycherley said.
“The other major factor is the provision of infrastructure including a new local access bridge across the Lee at Water Street as well as a new Eastern Gateway Bridge at Tivoli and the raising of Centre Park Road by up to three metres – all that is vital for the development.”
Mr Wycherley, who developed the Cork Airport Business Park, said the project did not necessarily have to be carried out in one complete operation but could be done on a phased basis once work had begun on the provision of infrastructure.
The site comprised some 18 acres occupied by the Ford factory which closed in 1983 and a further six acres occupied by Dunlops, which closed 1984. Mr Wycherley acquired them in the late 1980s and converted them into the Marina Commercial Park.
Some 150 businesses operate within the park, employing 1,500 people, and Mr Wycherley expressed confidence it would be possible to reaccommodate these existing businesses on site during redevelopment.
The average height of the proposed development, designed by architects Henry J Lyons and Partners, is five to eight storeys with one landmark building of 16 storeys earmarked for residential usage and a second building of 12 storeys earmarked for commercial usage, he said.
Cork city manager Joe Gavin welcomed the lodging of the planning application and said it marked a crucial step in realising Cork City Council’s vision for the development of Cork docklands.
While Cork City Council is continuing to call on the Government for funding for infrastructure such as the Eastern Gateway Bridge, developments such as the Marina Commercial Park show that the business world has confidence in the city’s development plan, he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label cork docklands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cork docklands. Show all posts
Friday, 13 August 2010
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Planning green light for bridges set to kick-start Cork Docklands project
PLANNING is expected to be granted today for three bridges over the River Lee to help kick-start one of the state’s most ambitious regeneration projects.
An Bord Pleanála is expected to give the green light for the bridges – one of which will be the largest swing bridge in Europe – as well as the development of several major roads to facilitate the multibillion-euro revamp of the city’s 166-hectare docklands.
The decision comes almost two years after Cork City Council submitted its plans for the iconic Eastern Gateway bridge, linking Tivoli and the south docks, the Water Street bridge and the so-called spine roads, including Centre Park Road and Monaghan Road.
The board held three oral hearings in December after the Port of Cork objected to certain aspects of the bridge plans.
The city’s Lord Mayor, Dara Murphy, said he understands today’s decision will be positive. "The time has come now for the Government to fully back this major infrastructural project, which is not just critical for the greater Metropolitan Cork region but for the country as a whole. We don’t expect a cheque this year but we must be looking at this over the next three to five years as the country moves out of recession."
An economic study on the benefits of Government investment in public infrastructure in Cork Docklands showed that the regeneration could create 15,000 jobs and generate €610m per annum for the greater Cork metropolitan region.
Most of the infrastructure was priced several years ago – the Eastern Gateway Bridge had a price tag of €80m – and it is hoped that certain savings could be made.
Several major docklands planning applications have been lodged recently, including for the redevelopment of the R&H Hall site and the Topaz site.
It is hoped securing planning permission for the public infrastructure today will give certainty to landowners considering projects.
City manager Joe Gavin said about 20% of what is planned for the docklands can proceed without the infrastructure, but credit must begin to flow again. He said despite the current economic conditions, planning applications are still being processed so that projects are ready to go when the economy picks up.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
An Bord Pleanála is expected to give the green light for the bridges – one of which will be the largest swing bridge in Europe – as well as the development of several major roads to facilitate the multibillion-euro revamp of the city’s 166-hectare docklands.
The decision comes almost two years after Cork City Council submitted its plans for the iconic Eastern Gateway bridge, linking Tivoli and the south docks, the Water Street bridge and the so-called spine roads, including Centre Park Road and Monaghan Road.
The board held three oral hearings in December after the Port of Cork objected to certain aspects of the bridge plans.
The city’s Lord Mayor, Dara Murphy, said he understands today’s decision will be positive. "The time has come now for the Government to fully back this major infrastructural project, which is not just critical for the greater Metropolitan Cork region but for the country as a whole. We don’t expect a cheque this year but we must be looking at this over the next three to five years as the country moves out of recession."
An economic study on the benefits of Government investment in public infrastructure in Cork Docklands showed that the regeneration could create 15,000 jobs and generate €610m per annum for the greater Cork metropolitan region.
Most of the infrastructure was priced several years ago – the Eastern Gateway Bridge had a price tag of €80m – and it is hoped that certain savings could be made.
Several major docklands planning applications have been lodged recently, including for the redevelopment of the R&H Hall site and the Topaz site.
It is hoped securing planning permission for the public infrastructure today will give certainty to landowners considering projects.
City manager Joe Gavin said about 20% of what is planned for the docklands can proceed without the infrastructure, but credit must begin to flow again. He said despite the current economic conditions, planning applications are still being processed so that projects are ready to go when the economy picks up.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 12 October 2009
Changes agreed to city's Docklands Strategy
Several changes have been agreed to Cork’s multi-billion euro Docklands strategy after an agreement was reached between the city and the Port of Cork.
The two bodies have been in dispute over certain aspects of the Docklands plans because of the Port’s continued city centre quay activities.
The Port of Cork Co was concerned that, if proposed changes were made to the city’s South Docklands Local Area Plan (LAP), it would be "severely disadvantaged and its activities potentially undermined". The changes, which were due to be discussed at council recently, were deferred after the Port wrote to councillors citing five areas of concern, including -
* the timing of the construction of two massive bridges - including one at Water Street - and
* plans to build amenity areas on certain parts of the quays owned by the Port, before the Port relocates downstream.
The Port put forward its own wording for amendments to the LAP under each of the five headings.
Councillors held a special meeting last week, the deadline by which the changes had to be agreed, to discuss the matter. City manager Joe Gavin presented a report, with detailed responses to each of the Port’s concerns.
One of the amendments states that the city council will work with the Port and other stakeholders to facilitate the orderly relocation of port activities from the quays.
Another states that the Port’s activity can continue even if the two bridges are built before the Port relocates downstream and another states that no amenity work will be carried out of Port of Cork-owned land without the Port’s permission.
Mr Gavin said agreement had been reached between the two parties over the wording and the report was adopted within minutes. It came just hours after confirmation that one of the Dockland’s biggest so-called Seveso sites is to be redeveloped.
RPIF plc, which owns the Topaz terminal site on Centre Park Road, confirmed that it is preparing a planning application for a mixture of retail and office facilities on the site. It is expected to be completed within three or four months.
www.buckplanning.ie
The two bodies have been in dispute over certain aspects of the Docklands plans because of the Port’s continued city centre quay activities.
The Port of Cork Co was concerned that, if proposed changes were made to the city’s South Docklands Local Area Plan (LAP), it would be "severely disadvantaged and its activities potentially undermined". The changes, which were due to be discussed at council recently, were deferred after the Port wrote to councillors citing five areas of concern, including -
* the timing of the construction of two massive bridges - including one at Water Street - and
* plans to build amenity areas on certain parts of the quays owned by the Port, before the Port relocates downstream.
The Port put forward its own wording for amendments to the LAP under each of the five headings.
Councillors held a special meeting last week, the deadline by which the changes had to be agreed, to discuss the matter. City manager Joe Gavin presented a report, with detailed responses to each of the Port’s concerns.
One of the amendments states that the city council will work with the Port and other stakeholders to facilitate the orderly relocation of port activities from the quays.
Another states that the Port’s activity can continue even if the two bridges are built before the Port relocates downstream and another states that no amenity work will be carried out of Port of Cork-owned land without the Port’s permission.
Mr Gavin said agreement had been reached between the two parties over the wording and the report was adopted within minutes. It came just hours after confirmation that one of the Dockland’s biggest so-called Seveso sites is to be redeveloped.
RPIF plc, which owns the Topaz terminal site on Centre Park Road, confirmed that it is preparing a planning application for a mixture of retail and office facilities on the site. It is expected to be completed within three or four months.
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 30 May 2009
CIÉ fails to have CPO order quashed
CIÉ has failed in a High Court bid to quash a compulsory purchase order over some of its property in the Cork docklands.
Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill rejected claims that the consent of the Minister for Transport was a necessary initial precondition to the CPO process before it could begin.
He said consent could be obtained at any time up to the latest stage in the process.
An Bord Pleanála had adjourned its hearing into the CPO pending the outcome of the case.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill rejected claims that the consent of the Minister for Transport was a necessary initial precondition to the CPO process before it could begin.
He said consent could be obtained at any time up to the latest stage in the process.
An Bord Pleanála had adjourned its hearing into the CPO pending the outcome of the case.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Tax incentive a step to kick-starting docklands
A TAX incentive scheme announced in the budget has been described as a small step towards kick-starting the multi-billion regeneration of Cork’s docklands.
But opposition parties and business leaders demanded further action and commitments from the Government to get the ambitious project, which has the potential to create thousands of construction jobs, off the ground.
Cork Chamber also criticised the fact that State supports for a crucial piece of infrastructure — the Eastern Gateway Bridge designed to open up the south docks — were not included in the budget.
Cork City Council has drafted ambitious plans for the transformation of the 400-acre docklands region site into a waterfront urban quarter with thousands of apartments, offices, hotels and an events centre.
The Cork Docklands Forum, set up by the Government last year and chaired by former UCC president Professor Gerry Wrixon, has said the Exchequer should fund hundreds of millions of euro worth of infrastructure, including bridges and roads, to kickstart the development.
Its report said the potential of the project — the biggest proposal since the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin 20 years ago — is huge.
However, developers have baulked at paying the cost of basic infrastructure to the area. And much of the docklands is unusable because it has been occupied for decades by oil tanks and other high-risk operations — so-called Seveso sites.
Finance Minister Brian Lenihan announced plans yesterday to introduce a new tax incentive scheme to facilitate the relocation of Seveso sites.
There are three such sites in Cork’s Docklands owned by Topaz Energy, the National Oil Reserve Agency and Gouldings Fertilisers.
“This scheme will be subject to clearance by the European Commission from a state aid’s perspective,” said Mr Lenihan.
The Docklands Forum said offering grants to these companies to move operations would not breach EU state aid rules.
Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy welcomed the Seveso move but said a whole range of further measures are needed.
“We would hope to see additional support in the Finance Bill,” he said.
Fine Gael’s innovation spokesperson Deirdre Clune described Mr Lenihan’s announcement “as the one bright spot in an otherwise bleak and bad budget for everyone in the country”.
“One obstacle holding up the docklands project has been removed and that is good news,” she said.
Fine Gael senator Jerry Buttimer said he is disappointed that there was no clear commitment to funding the overall docklands project.
“This was promised before previous budgets and has not been delivered,” he said.
“The Seveso tax incentive is a small step and is subject to approval from Brussels.”
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
But opposition parties and business leaders demanded further action and commitments from the Government to get the ambitious project, which has the potential to create thousands of construction jobs, off the ground.
Cork Chamber also criticised the fact that State supports for a crucial piece of infrastructure — the Eastern Gateway Bridge designed to open up the south docks — were not included in the budget.
Cork City Council has drafted ambitious plans for the transformation of the 400-acre docklands region site into a waterfront urban quarter with thousands of apartments, offices, hotels and an events centre.
The Cork Docklands Forum, set up by the Government last year and chaired by former UCC president Professor Gerry Wrixon, has said the Exchequer should fund hundreds of millions of euro worth of infrastructure, including bridges and roads, to kickstart the development.
Its report said the potential of the project — the biggest proposal since the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin 20 years ago — is huge.
However, developers have baulked at paying the cost of basic infrastructure to the area. And much of the docklands is unusable because it has been occupied for decades by oil tanks and other high-risk operations — so-called Seveso sites.
Finance Minister Brian Lenihan announced plans yesterday to introduce a new tax incentive scheme to facilitate the relocation of Seveso sites.
There are three such sites in Cork’s Docklands owned by Topaz Energy, the National Oil Reserve Agency and Gouldings Fertilisers.
“This scheme will be subject to clearance by the European Commission from a state aid’s perspective,” said Mr Lenihan.
The Docklands Forum said offering grants to these companies to move operations would not breach EU state aid rules.
Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy welcomed the Seveso move but said a whole range of further measures are needed.
“We would hope to see additional support in the Finance Bill,” he said.
Fine Gael’s innovation spokesperson Deirdre Clune described Mr Lenihan’s announcement “as the one bright spot in an otherwise bleak and bad budget for everyone in the country”.
“One obstacle holding up the docklands project has been removed and that is good news,” she said.
Fine Gael senator Jerry Buttimer said he is disappointed that there was no clear commitment to funding the overall docklands project.
“This was promised before previous budgets and has not been delivered,” he said.
“The Seveso tax incentive is a small step and is subject to approval from Brussels.”
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Exchequer should fund project at Cork docks, says report
THE EXCHEQUER should fund hundreds of millions of euro worth of infrastructure, including bridges and roads, to kickstart the development of Cork docklands, according to an influential report.
In addition, the Government should heed long-standing demands from Cork that major tax incentives to back the project should be included in this year's budget. Local politicians, Cork City Council, developers and others had all hoped for major concessions last year, but they failed to materialise. In all, €615 million will have to be spent up to 2020 on three bridges, three roads, public transport, water, schools etc, according to the Cork Docklands Forum.
Chaired by former UCC president Prof Gerry Wrixon, the group set up by the Government late last year includes local representatives but, crucially, was dominated by departmental officials.
The potential of the docklands project - the biggest proposal since the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin 20 years ago - is hugely significant, the document says.
It acknowledges that the Government will face significant costs in the face of the economic downturn and that this will create "pressure" on the exchequer.
However, it says the project's "potential, especially in the light of an economic downturn, out-weighs the short-term costs of providing such infrastructure".
Development of the 400-acre site in Cork city has so far been stymied as developers have baulked at paying the cost of basic infrastructure. Developers, city council officials and others will meet Minister for the Environment John Gormley today.
The Wrixon report has recommended that a new body should be set up to oversee the 20-year development of the area but says planning control should remain with Cork City Council, following strong lobbying by city manager Joe Gavin. The Government, it adds, should "adopt an imaginative and creative approach" to getting funding for the development and establishing targeted tax incentives.
Much of the docklands is currently unusable because it has been occupied for decades by oil tanks and other high-risk operations.
These lands, known as Seveso sites, are currently owned by Topaz Energy, the National Oil Reserve Agency and Gouldings Fertilisers.
The expert group says that offering grants to these companies to move operations would not breach EU state aid rules.
Three bridges should be built to improve access, including the Eastern Gateway Bridge to ease movement from the east, although an exact location for it is not given in the report.
Another bridge should be built at Water Street on the approach into the city centre, while the use of a third at Mill Road would be dominated in time by a high-quality public transport system.
The Eastern Gateway Bridge and the one at Water Street would both be able to open up to allow ships to travel upriver to dock at the island where the two channels of the Lee meet.
Two-thirds of the €600 million infrastructure budget would have to be spent over the next five years. "This frontloading of infrastructure expenditure is essential," the report says. "The existing infrastructure, by and large, is simply not capable of supporting the kind of intensive, mixed-use development envisaged."
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In addition, the Government should heed long-standing demands from Cork that major tax incentives to back the project should be included in this year's budget. Local politicians, Cork City Council, developers and others had all hoped for major concessions last year, but they failed to materialise. In all, €615 million will have to be spent up to 2020 on three bridges, three roads, public transport, water, schools etc, according to the Cork Docklands Forum.
Chaired by former UCC president Prof Gerry Wrixon, the group set up by the Government late last year includes local representatives but, crucially, was dominated by departmental officials.
The potential of the docklands project - the biggest proposal since the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin 20 years ago - is hugely significant, the document says.
It acknowledges that the Government will face significant costs in the face of the economic downturn and that this will create "pressure" on the exchequer.
However, it says the project's "potential, especially in the light of an economic downturn, out-weighs the short-term costs of providing such infrastructure".
Development of the 400-acre site in Cork city has so far been stymied as developers have baulked at paying the cost of basic infrastructure. Developers, city council officials and others will meet Minister for the Environment John Gormley today.
The Wrixon report has recommended that a new body should be set up to oversee the 20-year development of the area but says planning control should remain with Cork City Council, following strong lobbying by city manager Joe Gavin. The Government, it adds, should "adopt an imaginative and creative approach" to getting funding for the development and establishing targeted tax incentives.
Much of the docklands is currently unusable because it has been occupied for decades by oil tanks and other high-risk operations.
These lands, known as Seveso sites, are currently owned by Topaz Energy, the National Oil Reserve Agency and Gouldings Fertilisers.
The expert group says that offering grants to these companies to move operations would not breach EU state aid rules.
Three bridges should be built to improve access, including the Eastern Gateway Bridge to ease movement from the east, although an exact location for it is not given in the report.
Another bridge should be built at Water Street on the approach into the city centre, while the use of a third at Mill Road would be dominated in time by a high-quality public transport system.
The Eastern Gateway Bridge and the one at Water Street would both be able to open up to allow ships to travel upriver to dock at the island where the two channels of the Lee meet.
Two-thirds of the €600 million infrastructure budget would have to be spent over the next five years. "This frontloading of infrastructure expenditure is essential," the report says. "The existing infrastructure, by and large, is simply not capable of supporting the kind of intensive, mixed-use development envisaged."
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Docklands tax breaks ‘must be delivered’
THE Government must deliver a range of tax breaks in the budget to kickstart the multi-billion regeneration of Cork’s docklands, business leaders demanded last night.
Cork Chamber will unveil a detailed pre-budget submission today outlining what it says the Government must do to stimulate the nationally important project.
The deferral of tax and accelerated capital allowances are among the suggestions.
But, specifically, the chamber said tax breaks for developers building public infrastructure are crucial.
They said a 20% tax credit of the capital expenditure incurred by the provider of such infrastructure should be provided.
Developers Howard Holdings have proposed an €80 million Eastern Gateway Bridge as part of its Atlantic Gateway project. But other suggested tax breaks include:
n100% capital allowances for the construction of SEVESO facilities that re-locate from the docklands.
n100% capital allowances in the year of construction for capital expenditure on the remediation of contaminated sites.
nCapital gains taxation (CGT) roll-over relief for businesses which have to relocate.
n 100% write-off for capital expenditure for owner-occupiers in the docklands.
nAnd a package of measures to attract the R&D sector which is approved for EU State Aid purposes.
Maurice Minogue, chairman of the chamber’s budget working group, said a commitment to finance the development of the Eastern Gateway Bridge is essential.
“A professional cost-benefit analysis has proven that this would yield significant returns to the exchequer.”
Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said they were urging the Government to “consider providing the most strategic and open minded support” to unlock the potential of the docklands.
Cork’s lord mayor Brian Bermingham welcomed the chamber’s submission. “By unlocking the potential of the docks we can boost the city’s population and create massive employment opportunities in a sustainable way. This will benefit the entire southern region,” he said.
The city council’s blueprint for the 160 hectare docklands region envisages the development of a thriving urban waterfront.
The project has the potential to create thousands of construction jobs. The new “city” could accommodate a population of at least 15,000 and a working population of about 20,000.
Up to 6,000 homes will be built alongside more than 500,000 square metres of offices, educational institutions, retail outlets and culture and leisure facilities.
Howard Holdings have lodged a massive planning application for the site of the former Fords distribution centre. And Origin Enterprises are also planning to develop the R & H Halls site.
Business leaders were disappointed when docklands tax breaks were not included in last December’s budget.
Assurances were given at the time that future budgets would deal with the issue. However, with public finances collapsing, the October 14 budget is expected to be the toughest since 1983. Cuts of up to €1.5 billion are expected in what commentators have dubbed the “bloodbath” budget.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork Chamber will unveil a detailed pre-budget submission today outlining what it says the Government must do to stimulate the nationally important project.
The deferral of tax and accelerated capital allowances are among the suggestions.
But, specifically, the chamber said tax breaks for developers building public infrastructure are crucial.
They said a 20% tax credit of the capital expenditure incurred by the provider of such infrastructure should be provided.
Developers Howard Holdings have proposed an €80 million Eastern Gateway Bridge as part of its Atlantic Gateway project. But other suggested tax breaks include:
n100% capital allowances for the construction of SEVESO facilities that re-locate from the docklands.
n100% capital allowances in the year of construction for capital expenditure on the remediation of contaminated sites.
nCapital gains taxation (CGT) roll-over relief for businesses which have to relocate.
n 100% write-off for capital expenditure for owner-occupiers in the docklands.
nAnd a package of measures to attract the R&D sector which is approved for EU State Aid purposes.
Maurice Minogue, chairman of the chamber’s budget working group, said a commitment to finance the development of the Eastern Gateway Bridge is essential.
“A professional cost-benefit analysis has proven that this would yield significant returns to the exchequer.”
Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said they were urging the Government to “consider providing the most strategic and open minded support” to unlock the potential of the docklands.
Cork’s lord mayor Brian Bermingham welcomed the chamber’s submission. “By unlocking the potential of the docks we can boost the city’s population and create massive employment opportunities in a sustainable way. This will benefit the entire southern region,” he said.
The city council’s blueprint for the 160 hectare docklands region envisages the development of a thriving urban waterfront.
The project has the potential to create thousands of construction jobs. The new “city” could accommodate a population of at least 15,000 and a working population of about 20,000.
Up to 6,000 homes will be built alongside more than 500,000 square metres of offices, educational institutions, retail outlets and culture and leisure facilities.
Howard Holdings have lodged a massive planning application for the site of the former Fords distribution centre. And Origin Enterprises are also planning to develop the R & H Halls site.
Business leaders were disappointed when docklands tax breaks were not included in last December’s budget.
Assurances were given at the time that future budgets would deal with the issue. However, with public finances collapsing, the October 14 budget is expected to be the toughest since 1983. Cuts of up to €1.5 billion are expected in what commentators have dubbed the “bloodbath” budget.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 21 July 2008
€210m development planned for Cork
THE PROPOSED multibillion-euro Cork docklands development has received a boost with confirmation by property developer Owen O'Callaghan over the weekend that he has applied for planning permission for a €210 million office and retail development near the city centre.
O'Callaghan Properties have applied for planning permission to Cork City Council for 14,864sq m (160,000sq ft) of office and ground floor retail at Anderson's Quay in a project which is expected to create 700 permanent jobs and 350 jobs during construction.
The site, close to the bus station at Parnell Place and fronting on to the north channel of the river Lee, will create a further link between the development of the docklands and the city centre similar to the nearby City Quarter developed by Howard Holdings which fronts on to the south channel. According to O'Callaghan Properties managing director Owen O'Callaghan, the project's location within a few minutes' walk of the city's principal retail and business districts makes a strong statement for commercial investment on Leeside.
"Cork has suffered in recent years because of a lack of large-scale, third-generation city centre office availability. Investment and jobs have gone elsewhere as a result," said Mr O'Callaghan, who is also developing a major retail site on Academy Street in the city.
"The development of office accommodation on such a well-placed site, near the railway and bus stations, will be very attractive and will address some of the city's office capacity problems. It also continues the successful renewal of the area which has occurred in recent years."
The site, adjacent to Clontarf Street, covering three-quarters of an acre, was assembled through the acquisition by O'Callaghan Properties of a number of adjoining premises including Reliance Bearing Ltd, the former Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) shelter, Maher Sports and S-Tyres.
Maher Sports and S-Tyres will continue to operate within the new complex while O'Callaghan Properties, as part of its agreement with the CSPCA, has developed a new state of the art animals home at Mahon to replace the Clontarf Street facility.
According to Mr O'Callaghan, the building design by Wilson Architecture is striking and contemporary and characterised by a circular, cylindrical form with the building line set back from the corner of Anderson's Quay/Clontarf Street to create a public space area.
This allows more active public frontages to the ground-floor units as well as allowing the public realm to be brought into the building to the atrium which accesses the offices overhead, he said, adding that it will also incorporate 140 underground car spaces.
"We see this as an opportunity for Cork to have a corporate headquarters type office building available in a city centre location. We are very confident about this project and it would be our intention to commence construction once planning permission is obtained."
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
O'Callaghan Properties have applied for planning permission to Cork City Council for 14,864sq m (160,000sq ft) of office and ground floor retail at Anderson's Quay in a project which is expected to create 700 permanent jobs and 350 jobs during construction.
The site, close to the bus station at Parnell Place and fronting on to the north channel of the river Lee, will create a further link between the development of the docklands and the city centre similar to the nearby City Quarter developed by Howard Holdings which fronts on to the south channel. According to O'Callaghan Properties managing director Owen O'Callaghan, the project's location within a few minutes' walk of the city's principal retail and business districts makes a strong statement for commercial investment on Leeside.
"Cork has suffered in recent years because of a lack of large-scale, third-generation city centre office availability. Investment and jobs have gone elsewhere as a result," said Mr O'Callaghan, who is also developing a major retail site on Academy Street in the city.
"The development of office accommodation on such a well-placed site, near the railway and bus stations, will be very attractive and will address some of the city's office capacity problems. It also continues the successful renewal of the area which has occurred in recent years."
The site, adjacent to Clontarf Street, covering three-quarters of an acre, was assembled through the acquisition by O'Callaghan Properties of a number of adjoining premises including Reliance Bearing Ltd, the former Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) shelter, Maher Sports and S-Tyres.
Maher Sports and S-Tyres will continue to operate within the new complex while O'Callaghan Properties, as part of its agreement with the CSPCA, has developed a new state of the art animals home at Mahon to replace the Clontarf Street facility.
According to Mr O'Callaghan, the building design by Wilson Architecture is striking and contemporary and characterised by a circular, cylindrical form with the building line set back from the corner of Anderson's Quay/Clontarf Street to create a public space area.
This allows more active public frontages to the ground-floor units as well as allowing the public realm to be brought into the building to the atrium which accesses the offices overhead, he said, adding that it will also incorporate 140 underground car spaces.
"We see this as an opportunity for Cork to have a corporate headquarters type office building available in a city centre location. We are very confident about this project and it would be our intention to commence construction once planning permission is obtained."
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 3 July 2008
PR contract for docklands: Firm ‘chosen’
CORK CITY COUNCIL is poised to award a lucrative contract to a PR firm to brand and market its multi-billion docklands regeneration project.
The council remained tightlipped last night on who has landed the contract or on how much it is worth.
The initial phase could be worth tens of thousands of euro to the successful public relations firm.
But the company could be working on the project, which will involve branding, marketing and advertising, for at least a decade as the council oversees the estimated €10 billion regeneration of the extensive docklands region as a new waterfront quarter.
The news emerged yesterday as the largest landowner of docklands real estate put the first phase of its ambitious €2bn development on public display in City Hall.
Origin Enterprises, a subsidiary of the IAWS milling group, owns 32 acres of docklands.
It is seeking planning permission initially for a two acre waterfront site on Kennedy Quay and Victoria Road.
The first phase of its Port Quarter project is valued at about €200 million.
It will have 165 large apartments, and 24,600sq m of offices, in buildings ranging from eight to 11 storeys tall, with basement parking, shops and a creche.
No building will be taller than IAWS’s existing grain silos — for example at the R&H Hall site — all of which are set for demolition.
The only building to be retained is the red-brick Odlums building, dating back to the 1890s, which will most likely be used for cultural purposes.
Origin describes Port Quarter as an 18 to 20-year plan and believes the first phase could be delivered in late 2010.
This planning application follows the lodging of plans by Howard Holdings in March for its €1bn Atlantic Quarter project further downstream in the docklands, near Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Now that redevelopment plans are rolling in, City Hall wants to hire public relations experts to advise how it should brand and market its vision for docklands.
Up to 50 firms pitched for the contract and they were shortlisted down to five.
Representatives of each of the shortlisters made presentations to a panel last Friday and it is understood that a firm has been chosen.
But city manager Joe Gavin has to sign off on the contract first — a process that is expected to take several weeks.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The council remained tightlipped last night on who has landed the contract or on how much it is worth.
The initial phase could be worth tens of thousands of euro to the successful public relations firm.
But the company could be working on the project, which will involve branding, marketing and advertising, for at least a decade as the council oversees the estimated €10 billion regeneration of the extensive docklands region as a new waterfront quarter.
The news emerged yesterday as the largest landowner of docklands real estate put the first phase of its ambitious €2bn development on public display in City Hall.
Origin Enterprises, a subsidiary of the IAWS milling group, owns 32 acres of docklands.
It is seeking planning permission initially for a two acre waterfront site on Kennedy Quay and Victoria Road.
The first phase of its Port Quarter project is valued at about €200 million.
It will have 165 large apartments, and 24,600sq m of offices, in buildings ranging from eight to 11 storeys tall, with basement parking, shops and a creche.
No building will be taller than IAWS’s existing grain silos — for example at the R&H Hall site — all of which are set for demolition.
The only building to be retained is the red-brick Odlums building, dating back to the 1890s, which will most likely be used for cultural purposes.
Origin describes Port Quarter as an 18 to 20-year plan and believes the first phase could be delivered in late 2010.
This planning application follows the lodging of plans by Howard Holdings in March for its €1bn Atlantic Quarter project further downstream in the docklands, near Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Now that redevelopment plans are rolling in, City Hall wants to hire public relations experts to advise how it should brand and market its vision for docklands.
Up to 50 firms pitched for the contract and they were shortlisted down to five.
Representatives of each of the shortlisters made presentations to a panel last Friday and it is understood that a firm has been chosen.
But city manager Joe Gavin has to sign off on the contract first — a process that is expected to take several weeks.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Docklands redevelopment could face delays
PARTS of the multi-billion euro regeneration of Cork’s docklands could be delayed by the Ringaskiddy decision.
The relocation of the Port of Cork’s activities downstream from the city centre is crucial for the city to proceed with its transformation of the sprawling docklands region.
But An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse planning permission for the new container terminal at Oysterbank has thrown a spanner in the works.
It effectively prevents the port’s efforts to move activities from their Tivoli container terminal, which has reached capacity, downstream.
This will almost certainly have a knock-on effect on the scheduling of its relocation of the rest of its activities at the city centre quays.
It was unclear last night how the decision will impact on the time-scale.
But in the meantime, city council plans to develop a local area plan to guide future development of the Tivoli site will almost certainly be delayed.
The council has already drawn up two master plans — a north docks local area plan (LAP) and a south docks LAP — to guide development of the docklands.
The 166-hectare region with 4kms of waterfront has the capacity to accommodate a population of at least 15,000, and a working population of almost 20,000.
Up to 6,000 homes will be built, alongside more than 500,000sq m of office space, educational institutions, retail outlets as well as culture and leisure facilities.
Meanwhile, yesterday’s decision may strengthen the port company’s interest in the 114-acre former IFI site at Marino Point, facing Passage West.
Critically, that Marino Point site, which is currently for sale for €40 million, has a rail head, as well as deep water berth/jetty and road access.
The Marino Point lands went back up for sale in January of this year, with expressions of interest sought by March. However, no sale decision has yet been reached. It is largely owned by hotel and bars owner Hugh O’Regan, who paid about €25m for it four years ago.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The relocation of the Port of Cork’s activities downstream from the city centre is crucial for the city to proceed with its transformation of the sprawling docklands region.
But An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse planning permission for the new container terminal at Oysterbank has thrown a spanner in the works.
It effectively prevents the port’s efforts to move activities from their Tivoli container terminal, which has reached capacity, downstream.
This will almost certainly have a knock-on effect on the scheduling of its relocation of the rest of its activities at the city centre quays.
It was unclear last night how the decision will impact on the time-scale.
But in the meantime, city council plans to develop a local area plan to guide future development of the Tivoli site will almost certainly be delayed.
The council has already drawn up two master plans — a north docks local area plan (LAP) and a south docks LAP — to guide development of the docklands.
The 166-hectare region with 4kms of waterfront has the capacity to accommodate a population of at least 15,000, and a working population of almost 20,000.
Up to 6,000 homes will be built, alongside more than 500,000sq m of office space, educational institutions, retail outlets as well as culture and leisure facilities.
Meanwhile, yesterday’s decision may strengthen the port company’s interest in the 114-acre former IFI site at Marino Point, facing Passage West.
Critically, that Marino Point site, which is currently for sale for €40 million, has a rail head, as well as deep water berth/jetty and road access.
The Marino Point lands went back up for sale in January of this year, with expressions of interest sought by March. However, no sale decision has yet been reached. It is largely owned by hotel and bars owner Hugh O’Regan, who paid about €25m for it four years ago.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
City manager says 2008 'crucial' for Cork docklands
The next 12 months will prove crucial to the development of the multi-billion regeneration of the Cork docklands and will see the lodging of planning applications by three of the largest developers, Cork city manager, Joe Gavin, has predicted.
According to Mr Gavin, Cork City Council has been in detailed discussions with Howard Holdings and expects the Cork-headquartered company to apply in January for planning for its €1 billion project on a 30-acre site on the old Ford grounds near Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
"We expect to get that application, which will be the biggest we have ever received, in January from Howard Holdings. It will include a 6,000-seat event centre, a 200-bedroom hotel as well as over 200,000sq m of office, retail and residential," said Mr Gavin.
Although the entire 400 acres of docklands is owned by approximately 20 landowners, some six developers own the majority of the landbank, which has assisted in progressing development, and further applications are expected shortly from two more of these, he said.
"IAWS, who have the Odlums building and some 30 surrounding acres, are talking about coming into us in a couple of months time as well with a planning application for the Victoria Road end of the docklands," said Mr Gavin.
"And Gerry Wycherly, who owns substantial property in the former Dunlop plant, also has plans for development, so there's quite active work going on with the bigger developers . . . I think next year will see considerable movement, with buildings in place by 2010." Last September, Howard Holdings managing director, Greg Coughlan, pointed out that development interest and development capital were highly mobile and warned that Cork was in danger of seeing developers moving elsewhere if the docklands project didn't get under way soon.
However, Mr Gavin insisted that the next 12 months would see the start of the transformation of the south docklands and pointed out that much of the effort invested in preparatory work over the past five years by Cork City Council and others would start to bear fruit next year.
He pointed out that the council had been working closely with the OPW on issues of flooding and drainage in the south docklands and a strategy had been devised that would see the raising of land levels by up to three metres to prevent flooding.
"The increase in ground level is necessary to provide a sustainable surface water drainage system and to protect against tidal flooding, and the proposal is based on the Lee catchment study carried out by the OPW," he said.
""We will have to raise road levels along Centre Park Road and parts of Monahan Road . . . the existing ground level in a lot of those areas will become a new basement level," he said.
Mr Gavin welcomed the recent establishment of the Cork Docklands Development Forum under the chairmanship of former UCC president, Prof Gerry Wrixon, and said that while the issue of tax designation for the docklands wasn't crucial, it would help speed up regeneration.
"The city council has made a very strong case for targeted tax breaks for activities in the docklands, like seeking to relocate inappropriate uses down there - the Seveso sites need to be relocated if we are to get the full potential and we're looking for financial support for that.
"We're hoping it will appear in the new Finance Act. There's no guarantee that it will, but we've made a very strong case and I think it stands up to scrutiny, and we will be entering discussions with the relevant department officials over the next two to three weeks."
Mr Gavin rejected any suggestion that failure to get tax breaks for the area in next month's Finance Act would scupper the docklands projects but conceded that it would not make for as full or as speedy a development of the area.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
According to Mr Gavin, Cork City Council has been in detailed discussions with Howard Holdings and expects the Cork-headquartered company to apply in January for planning for its €1 billion project on a 30-acre site on the old Ford grounds near Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
"We expect to get that application, which will be the biggest we have ever received, in January from Howard Holdings. It will include a 6,000-seat event centre, a 200-bedroom hotel as well as over 200,000sq m of office, retail and residential," said Mr Gavin.
Although the entire 400 acres of docklands is owned by approximately 20 landowners, some six developers own the majority of the landbank, which has assisted in progressing development, and further applications are expected shortly from two more of these, he said.
"IAWS, who have the Odlums building and some 30 surrounding acres, are talking about coming into us in a couple of months time as well with a planning application for the Victoria Road end of the docklands," said Mr Gavin.
"And Gerry Wycherly, who owns substantial property in the former Dunlop plant, also has plans for development, so there's quite active work going on with the bigger developers . . . I think next year will see considerable movement, with buildings in place by 2010." Last September, Howard Holdings managing director, Greg Coughlan, pointed out that development interest and development capital were highly mobile and warned that Cork was in danger of seeing developers moving elsewhere if the docklands project didn't get under way soon.
However, Mr Gavin insisted that the next 12 months would see the start of the transformation of the south docklands and pointed out that much of the effort invested in preparatory work over the past five years by Cork City Council and others would start to bear fruit next year.
He pointed out that the council had been working closely with the OPW on issues of flooding and drainage in the south docklands and a strategy had been devised that would see the raising of land levels by up to three metres to prevent flooding.
"The increase in ground level is necessary to provide a sustainable surface water drainage system and to protect against tidal flooding, and the proposal is based on the Lee catchment study carried out by the OPW," he said.
""We will have to raise road levels along Centre Park Road and parts of Monahan Road . . . the existing ground level in a lot of those areas will become a new basement level," he said.
Mr Gavin welcomed the recent establishment of the Cork Docklands Development Forum under the chairmanship of former UCC president, Prof Gerry Wrixon, and said that while the issue of tax designation for the docklands wasn't crucial, it would help speed up regeneration.
"The city council has made a very strong case for targeted tax breaks for activities in the docklands, like seeking to relocate inappropriate uses down there - the Seveso sites need to be relocated if we are to get the full potential and we're looking for financial support for that.
"We're hoping it will appear in the new Finance Act. There's no guarantee that it will, but we've made a very strong case and I think it stands up to scrutiny, and we will be entering discussions with the relevant department officials over the next two to three weeks."
Mr Gavin rejected any suggestion that failure to get tax breaks for the area in next month's Finance Act would scupper the docklands projects but conceded that it would not make for as full or as speedy a development of the area.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Tax breaks for Cork docks renewal not assured
Tax incentives in the Finance Act will be crucial to the €2 billion redevelopment of the Cork docklands area but special tax breaks cannot be guaranteed at this juncture, according to Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin.
Following the inaugural meeting of the Cork Docklands Development Forum in the city, Mr Martin said all tax breaks were subject to discussion but the forum would attempt to get to the "nitty-gritty" of these issues.
He refuted Opposition criticism that tax incentives should have been allocated in the Budget.
"Clearly the Finance Act is where tax changes happen in terms of urban designation. It never happens in a budget."
Mr Martin added: "You can take it that it is the Finance Act that the Department of Finance will be responding to in terms of the submissions that are being made but a number of meetings will be held between obviously the forum and the department."
He dismissed suggestions that the role of the docklands forum was as a type of think tank, saying members would actively work on the issues involved in making the regeneration of the area a reality.
He said the forum's central role was to co-ordinate activities between Cork City Council, local agencies and government departments with a view to implementing the docklands plan.
It is charged with presenting a report by June 2008 but he said members would be working until then to move on some of the pressing concerns.
The forum comprises department officials and community representatives. It will support Cork City Council which is spearheading the development of the docklands which extends both sides of the river Lee from the Port of Cork building to Tivoli on the northern side and Blackrock on the southern side.
The forum, chaired by former UCC president Prof Gerry Wrixon, is being brought together to oversee and drive development of the area.
The objective would be to promote the effective co-ordination and delivery of investment by the State, particularly in roads, water services, port relocation and associated infrastructure to facilitate the docklands regeneration and private investment in the area.
Olivia Kelleher
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Following the inaugural meeting of the Cork Docklands Development Forum in the city, Mr Martin said all tax breaks were subject to discussion but the forum would attempt to get to the "nitty-gritty" of these issues.
He refuted Opposition criticism that tax incentives should have been allocated in the Budget.
"Clearly the Finance Act is where tax changes happen in terms of urban designation. It never happens in a budget."
Mr Martin added: "You can take it that it is the Finance Act that the Department of Finance will be responding to in terms of the submissions that are being made but a number of meetings will be held between obviously the forum and the department."
He dismissed suggestions that the role of the docklands forum was as a type of think tank, saying members would actively work on the issues involved in making the regeneration of the area a reality.
He said the forum's central role was to co-ordinate activities between Cork City Council, local agencies and government departments with a view to implementing the docklands plan.
It is charged with presenting a report by June 2008 but he said members would be working until then to move on some of the pressing concerns.
The forum comprises department officials and community representatives. It will support Cork City Council which is spearheading the development of the docklands which extends both sides of the river Lee from the Port of Cork building to Tivoli on the northern side and Blackrock on the southern side.
The forum, chaired by former UCC president Prof Gerry Wrixon, is being brought together to oversee and drive development of the area.
The objective would be to promote the effective co-ordination and delivery of investment by the State, particularly in roads, water services, port relocation and associated infrastructure to facilitate the docklands regeneration and private investment in the area.
Olivia Kelleher
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Docklands forum hugely significant, says Ahern
FOUR of the biggest landowners in Cork’s sprawling docklands confirmed last night they have combined to drive forward the region’s multibillion regeneration.
The Docklands Landowners Group made the announcement during Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s visit to the city yesterday.
Mr Ahern was briefed by senior officials with developers Howard Holdings on their plans for a €1bn mixed-use project, which will include a conference centre, in the south docks.
It is understood a planning application will be lodged in January.
But McCarthy Developments, owned by Thomas McCarthy, the Marina Commercial Park’s Jerry Wycherley, Origin, a development company set up by IAWS, and Top Oil issued a joint statement last night welcoming Mr Ahern’s establishment of a national Docklands Steering Forum.
Chaired by former UCC president, Gerry Wrixon, it will provide a vital link between State agencies and Cork City Council, the lead partner in the docklands regeneration project.
“We also welcome the appointment of John Travers, as the nominee of the landowners,” a spokesman for the group said.
Other nominations to the forum include Sylvester Carruth, Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism; Clare Dunne, Department of Enterprise; Cork city manager, Joe Gavin; Conor Healy, from the Chamber of Commerce; Brendan Keating, Cork Port; John Martin, Department of the Environment; community representatives Mary Moloney, Finbarr Murphy, and Frank Murphy; Úna Nic Giolla Choille, Department of Communications; Fintan O’Brien, Department of Transport; Cork’s county manager, Martin Riordan; Paul Ryan, Department of Finance; John Shaw, Department of the Taoiseach; and Dominic Sullivan from the Department of Education.
Mr Ahern said the formal establishment of the forum was a “hugely significant step in the development of Cork’s docklands as a residential, economic and cultural centre to rival anywhere in Europe”.
“The wide range of experience of the participants will ensure that the redeveloped docklands will become a new hub of activity for all Cork people,” he said.
The forum will meet next month and report back to Government by June 2008.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The Docklands Landowners Group made the announcement during Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s visit to the city yesterday.
Mr Ahern was briefed by senior officials with developers Howard Holdings on their plans for a €1bn mixed-use project, which will include a conference centre, in the south docks.
It is understood a planning application will be lodged in January.
But McCarthy Developments, owned by Thomas McCarthy, the Marina Commercial Park’s Jerry Wycherley, Origin, a development company set up by IAWS, and Top Oil issued a joint statement last night welcoming Mr Ahern’s establishment of a national Docklands Steering Forum.
Chaired by former UCC president, Gerry Wrixon, it will provide a vital link between State agencies and Cork City Council, the lead partner in the docklands regeneration project.
“We also welcome the appointment of John Travers, as the nominee of the landowners,” a spokesman for the group said.
Other nominations to the forum include Sylvester Carruth, Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism; Clare Dunne, Department of Enterprise; Cork city manager, Joe Gavin; Conor Healy, from the Chamber of Commerce; Brendan Keating, Cork Port; John Martin, Department of the Environment; community representatives Mary Moloney, Finbarr Murphy, and Frank Murphy; Úna Nic Giolla Choille, Department of Communications; Fintan O’Brien, Department of Transport; Cork’s county manager, Martin Riordan; Paul Ryan, Department of Finance; John Shaw, Department of the Taoiseach; and Dominic Sullivan from the Department of Education.
Mr Ahern said the formal establishment of the forum was a “hugely significant step in the development of Cork’s docklands as a residential, economic and cultural centre to rival anywhere in Europe”.
“The wide range of experience of the participants will ensure that the redeveloped docklands will become a new hub of activity for all Cork people,” he said.
The forum will meet next month and report back to Government by June 2008.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Plans ready for €2bn Cork docklands development
Plans for the €2 billion development of Cork's docklands are to be lodged within weeks in one of the largest single applications in the history of the State.
The development will include two hotels, 600,000 square feet of office space and a 30-storey residential tower. It will also include an 'iconic building' - likely to house a restaurant run by a world-renowned chef such as Richard Corrigan or Gordon Ramsay. Provisions have also been made for a metro system.
Howard Holdings chief executive, Greg Coughlan said his firm has engaged London-based architecture firm, Foster and Partners - which is involved in the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site in New York - to work on the project. Work is to begin at the end of next year.
Coughlan said the biggest objection to the development of the docklands was the relocation of the Port of Cork and the vacation of the two Seveso sites - the Topaz and Gouldings' sites in Centre Park Road.
The Port of Cork is demanding a €60-€65 million relocation package to leave the city centre quays, but Mr Coughlan said it needed to vacate quickly for the docklands project to move forward. He said that all parties involved needed to sit down together and work out a solution. He did not rule out Howard Holdings contributing to the relocation costs for the port.
Meanwhile, the council has made a submission to government seeking the designation of the docklands for targeted tax incentives in the December budget.
The incentives sought include tax breaks for relocating the Seveso sites, incentives for dealing with contaminated land, incentives for attracting foreign investment, the provision of public infrastructure by the private sector, grant aid for owner occupiers and tax breaks to provide premises for biopharma, IT, financial services and third and fourth level R&D interests.
The development will include two hotels, 600,000 square feet of office space and a 30-storey residential tower. It will also include an 'iconic building' - likely to house a restaurant run by a world-renowned chef such as Richard Corrigan or Gordon Ramsay. Provisions have also been made for a metro system.
Howard Holdings chief executive, Greg Coughlan said his firm has engaged London-based architecture firm, Foster and Partners - which is involved in the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site in New York - to work on the project. Work is to begin at the end of next year.
Coughlan said the biggest objection to the development of the docklands was the relocation of the Port of Cork and the vacation of the two Seveso sites - the Topaz and Gouldings' sites in Centre Park Road.
The Port of Cork is demanding a €60-€65 million relocation package to leave the city centre quays, but Mr Coughlan said it needed to vacate quickly for the docklands project to move forward. He said that all parties involved needed to sit down together and work out a solution. He did not rule out Howard Holdings contributing to the relocation costs for the port.
Meanwhile, the council has made a submission to government seeking the designation of the docklands for targeted tax incentives in the December budget.
The incentives sought include tax breaks for relocating the Seveso sites, incentives for dealing with contaminated land, incentives for attracting foreign investment, the provision of public infrastructure by the private sector, grant aid for owner occupiers and tax breaks to provide premises for biopharma, IT, financial services and third and fourth level R&D interests.
Monday, 17 September 2007
Cork Chamber responds to Docklands Plan
Cork Chamber President, Joe Gantly, has expressed concern that, unless a number of strategic issues are dealt with before the adoption of the Local Area Plan for Cork South Docklands, the progress made in advancing the redevelopment could potentially be delayed.
The call came in a Chamber submission to Cork City Council regarding their consultation on the South Docklands Local Area Plan.
According to Mr. Gantly - "By virtue of the complex issues to be addressed, it is the Chamber's view that a strongly-chaired and resourced Implementation Body - with the full co-operation and commitment of central government, the City Council and all relevant stakeholders - is needed to deliver the Local Area Plan. This will ensure Government commitment and add a sound basis for prioritising various aspects of the critical docklands redevelopment.
"We are now at the beginning of a crucial time period. The development of the docklands is fundamental to the aggressive economic development of Cork. We see the Local Area Plan and the accompanying Business and Implementation Plan as critical documents that underpin the timely delivery of a substantial area of new residential, commercial, infrastructure and public realm development. This will serve to crystallise the function of Cork as a modern gateway city well into the future" - he added.
In order for the Local Area Plan to come to fruition, a number of key factors need to be prioritised - including the relocation of the Port of Cork, provision of key infrastructure, including bridges and public transport and the relocation of the Seveso sites.
"However, development can only occur if financial incentives are put in place. Therefore, the Chamber urges government to provide for tax relief and public funding to facilitate the development."
Mr. Gantly went on to say - "Of primary importance is the relocation of the Port of Cork, which is absolutely fundamental to the delivery of the Local Area Plan. The Chamber urges the Port of Cork - as a key stakeholder - to continue their full engagement in the process."
The Chamber President concluded by saying - "There should be a degree of flexibility built into the Local Area Plan, pending the outcome of the Business and Implementation Plan process. This should result in an agreed balance between the requirements of the built environment and the economic and social needs of the area."
The call came in a Chamber submission to Cork City Council regarding their consultation on the South Docklands Local Area Plan.
According to Mr. Gantly - "By virtue of the complex issues to be addressed, it is the Chamber's view that a strongly-chaired and resourced Implementation Body - with the full co-operation and commitment of central government, the City Council and all relevant stakeholders - is needed to deliver the Local Area Plan. This will ensure Government commitment and add a sound basis for prioritising various aspects of the critical docklands redevelopment.
"We are now at the beginning of a crucial time period. The development of the docklands is fundamental to the aggressive economic development of Cork. We see the Local Area Plan and the accompanying Business and Implementation Plan as critical documents that underpin the timely delivery of a substantial area of new residential, commercial, infrastructure and public realm development. This will serve to crystallise the function of Cork as a modern gateway city well into the future" - he added.
In order for the Local Area Plan to come to fruition, a number of key factors need to be prioritised - including the relocation of the Port of Cork, provision of key infrastructure, including bridges and public transport and the relocation of the Seveso sites.
"However, development can only occur if financial incentives are put in place. Therefore, the Chamber urges government to provide for tax relief and public funding to facilitate the development."
Mr. Gantly went on to say - "Of primary importance is the relocation of the Port of Cork, which is absolutely fundamental to the delivery of the Local Area Plan. The Chamber urges the Port of Cork - as a key stakeholder - to continue their full engagement in the process."
The Chamber President concluded by saying - "There should be a degree of flexibility built into the Local Area Plan, pending the outcome of the Business and Implementation Plan process. This should result in an agreed balance between the requirements of the built environment and the economic and social needs of the area."
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Multi-billion euro plan to transform Cork Docklands goes on public display
A MULTI-BILLION euro draft plan to transform Cork Docklands into a top European urban quarter will go on public display for the first time next week.
Cork City Council has set up an online interactive forum to encourage as many people as possible to comment on the ambitious plan before a final draft is prepared and adopted.
The South Docks Local Area Plan outlines the council’s vision for the complete redevelopment of the 190-hectare docks site and its 4km waterfront.
Several landmark towers, some up to 20 storeys high, a huge public park, new bridges over the River Lee, up to 10,000 apartments and hi-tech offices are planned.
“The vision for this area is that of a vibrant and inclusive mixed-use urban quarter for Cork which can offer inhabitants and workers a high quality of life,” a council spokesman said.
The plan goes out for public consultation for 10 weeks from Monday.
It will be on public display in City Hall’s Millennium Hall for one week from Monday to Friday between 1pm and 7pm.
“This is your opportunity to let us know your views on the vision for the future development of this important part of the city,” the spokesman said.
The plan can also be viewed on www.corkcity.ie/docklands, in any city council public library, or at the council’s Docklands Directorate office on Floor 2 of City Hall each Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
Submissions can be made until August 24.
The council also established a public consultation website accessed through the aforementioned address.
It offers contributors the chance to read the draft plan and comment on its vision.
It also allows people to vote on whether they think the plan makes the most of land in the area, and whether it is ambitious in terms of its scope.
“The council hopes that communities and individuals throughout the city will use this site to voice and convey their views on matters of interest at the local, community or city level,” the spokesman said.
Irish Examiner
Cork City Council has set up an online interactive forum to encourage as many people as possible to comment on the ambitious plan before a final draft is prepared and adopted.
The South Docks Local Area Plan outlines the council’s vision for the complete redevelopment of the 190-hectare docks site and its 4km waterfront.
Several landmark towers, some up to 20 storeys high, a huge public park, new bridges over the River Lee, up to 10,000 apartments and hi-tech offices are planned.
“The vision for this area is that of a vibrant and inclusive mixed-use urban quarter for Cork which can offer inhabitants and workers a high quality of life,” a council spokesman said.
The plan goes out for public consultation for 10 weeks from Monday.
It will be on public display in City Hall’s Millennium Hall for one week from Monday to Friday between 1pm and 7pm.
“This is your opportunity to let us know your views on the vision for the future development of this important part of the city,” the spokesman said.
The plan can also be viewed on www.corkcity.ie/docklands, in any city council public library, or at the council’s Docklands Directorate office on Floor 2 of City Hall each Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
Submissions can be made until August 24.
The council also established a public consultation website accessed through the aforementioned address.
It offers contributors the chance to read the draft plan and comment on its vision.
It also allows people to vote on whether they think the plan makes the most of land in the area, and whether it is ambitious in terms of its scope.
“The council hopes that communities and individuals throughout the city will use this site to voice and convey their views on matters of interest at the local, community or city level,” the spokesman said.
Irish Examiner
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
Council scathing in criticism of quay development plan
CORK’S city councillors want to meet the board of CIÉ to thrash out issues surrounding the crucial, but stalled, development of a key city docklands site.
The call was made after major deficiencies, including serious design issues, were revealed as the reasons behind planners’ refusal of a multi-million apartment scheme on the company’s Horgan’s Quay site two months ago.
City officials have laid bare, for the first time, 13 main reasons behind planners’ decision to reject the Manor Park Homes’s project on a portion of the CIÉ-owned Horgan’s Quay site — a crucial area in the city’s multi-billion docklands regeneration plans.
It was hoped the long-awaited planning application by CIÉ’s development partners would include a masterplan for the entire quay site allowing for the development of a conference centre, in line with the city’s docklands strategy, and the revamp of Kent Railway Station.
But the application was confined to the eastern side of Horgan’s Quay and included 276 residential units, eight retail units, two commercial units, three showroom units, a crèche, and a temporary access road to the proposed new concourse of Kent Railway station.
In a scathing critique of the proposal, planners said it did not address the council’s overall goal of redeveloping the Horgan’s Quay site.
They highlighted serious urban design issues and a lack of a comprehensive approach by the applicants and landowners. Some of the main reasons for the refusal included:
Failure to provide for the design for a new Kent Station and square.
Failure to adequately provide for a new national road and appropriate network of streets.
Failure to provide a high quality public realm and any public open space.
Failure to provide a quayside amenity area in any form on Horgan’s Quay.
Failure to properly conserve a goods depot, listed as a protected structure.
Failure to provide pedestrian links to the city centre.
Failure to provide proper transport and traffic management scenarios.
Unacceptably tall buildings which are contrary to the city development plan.
Unacceptable impact on views towards Montenotte and Tivoli and others areas of special character.
The application also failed to show how social or affordable houses would be provided on site.
City manager Joe Gavin, who is set to bring new proposals before the council tonight designed to secure a conference centre for the city, said the application as lodged could not be given the green light.
Manor Park Homes has appealed the council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála. A number of residents have also lodged appeals. A decision is due in July.
Despite the company’s appeal, Mr Gavin said he is unsure how the proposed sale of Manor Park Homes will affect the company’s development plans Horgan’s Quay.
The call was made after major deficiencies, including serious design issues, were revealed as the reasons behind planners’ refusal of a multi-million apartment scheme on the company’s Horgan’s Quay site two months ago.
City officials have laid bare, for the first time, 13 main reasons behind planners’ decision to reject the Manor Park Homes’s project on a portion of the CIÉ-owned Horgan’s Quay site — a crucial area in the city’s multi-billion docklands regeneration plans.
It was hoped the long-awaited planning application by CIÉ’s development partners would include a masterplan for the entire quay site allowing for the development of a conference centre, in line with the city’s docklands strategy, and the revamp of Kent Railway Station.
But the application was confined to the eastern side of Horgan’s Quay and included 276 residential units, eight retail units, two commercial units, three showroom units, a crèche, and a temporary access road to the proposed new concourse of Kent Railway station.
In a scathing critique of the proposal, planners said it did not address the council’s overall goal of redeveloping the Horgan’s Quay site.
They highlighted serious urban design issues and a lack of a comprehensive approach by the applicants and landowners. Some of the main reasons for the refusal included:
Failure to provide for the design for a new Kent Station and square.
Failure to adequately provide for a new national road and appropriate network of streets.
Failure to provide a high quality public realm and any public open space.
Failure to provide a quayside amenity area in any form on Horgan’s Quay.
Failure to properly conserve a goods depot, listed as a protected structure.
Failure to provide pedestrian links to the city centre.
Failure to provide proper transport and traffic management scenarios.
Unacceptably tall buildings which are contrary to the city development plan.
Unacceptable impact on views towards Montenotte and Tivoli and others areas of special character.
The application also failed to show how social or affordable houses would be provided on site.
City manager Joe Gavin, who is set to bring new proposals before the council tonight designed to secure a conference centre for the city, said the application as lodged could not be given the green light.
Manor Park Homes has appealed the council’s decision to An Bord Pleanála. A number of residents have also lodged appeals. A decision is due in July.
Despite the company’s appeal, Mr Gavin said he is unsure how the proposed sale of Manor Park Homes will affect the company’s development plans Horgan’s Quay.
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