Dockside project launched
Howard Holdings’ City Quarter development on Lapps Quay was described as “a magnificent start to the renewal of the city’s docklands” by city manager Joe Gavin.
The landmark development includes two linked six-storey buildings - the 200-bedroom Clarion Hotel, an international conference centre and underground parking for 275 cars, and a hi-tech office block with groundfloor cafes and bars.
The city’s first boardwalk runs outside City Quarter.
“Three years ago, Lapps Quay was an obsolete and derelict area,” Mr Gavin said.
“It took vision, courage and great determination on the part of the company to invest in this site.
“I would like to congratulate them on delivering such an inspiring development which will bring great economic benefits to the city.”
Thomas Crosbie Holdings, owners of the Irish Examiner, will occupy 34,000 sq ft of City Quarter’s office space. Cork solicitors GJ Moloney and Co will occupy 17,000 sq ft. Other legal and financial services companies are expected to follow.
Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Micheál Martin said City Quarter would act as a significant shop window for the city’s docklands project.
Howard Holdings managing director Greg Coughlan said it was appropriate that a city that derived its wealth and status from the trade carried out on its docks over many centuries “now sees its future in terms of a radical redevelopment of the same fantastic resource.”
“Our European Capital of Culture year, has been themed as Cork, City of Making,” he said. “In fact, Cork is fast becoming a city of making - things happen - there is a great sense now that there is a strategic vision for Cork and a welcome for new ideas and for grand designs.”
City Quarter is the latest milestone for Howard Holdings. The company has over e1 billion under development or in planning in Ireland.
It hopes to be on site in September to develop a €350m golf resorts/villas development in Majorca.
