Land deal opens new chapter for city library

CORK city is to get a brand new public library, twice as large as its current facilities, on its existing Grand Parade site.

The City Council is to swap part of its site for a new replacement library building of between 50,000 and 60,000 square feet, following the signing of a contract with developers Frinailla yesterday.

Planning permission is to be sought within two months for a major €300m-plus mixed-use development on the Grand Parade, to include a 50,000-plus square feet library and associated public facilities, 160,000 square feet of offices, 100,000 square feet of shopping, basement car parking and overhead apartments.