Former mental hospital set to become up-market hotel
The owners of Our Lady’s Hospital in Cork City have signalled their intention to apply for planning for a 235-bed hotel at the old hospital building complex, as well as aiming to convert sections of the stone built Victorian structure to new apartments.
It is one of several new hotels planned for Cork City as the 2005 City of Culture year approaches.
Choice Hotels have said they will run a new 35 million, 160-bed hotel at Lapp’s Quay on a site where developers Howard Holdings already have planning permission for offices. The same company is currently investing a further 8 million in its Shandon Court Hotel in the city.
At the former Our Lady’s Hospital site, overlooking County Hall across the River Lee, Lance Investments has built over 120 apartments in new blocks in a development called River Towers in the grounds behind the listed building, said to have the longest facade of any building in the country.
Lance Investments, who bought the 150,000 sq ft hospital building on 50 acres of land back in 1995, are now seeking planning for 156 more apartments in three six- and seven-storey blocks. They also propose a 235-bed hotel in a six and seven storey section, a leisure centre plus hotel reception, plus 36 further apartments in the eastern block of the old hospital building.
The proposal, called River Towers phase 2, also allows for 417 underground car parking spaces.
Our Lady’s Hospital was sold in 1995 for £910,000. Former dentist turned developer Robin Power was involved in its purchase at the time, but is no longer believed to have a role in the company.
