City centre construction go-ahead will create 300 jobs
The much-reviled office block on Sullivan’s Quay is to be replaced by a €120 million glass and steel development of shops, offices and an hotel on the high-profile city site.
Bam Property, (formerly Ascon/Rohcon), received full permission yesterday with conditions described as “nothing unusual” by Bam’s Tom Galvin.
“It’s a good, clean plan and effectively, the provisions have not changed in any substantial way from those imposed by Cork City Council,” he said.
The scheme which faces directly onto the redesigned Grand Parade, was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce on the basis that it was excessive, out of character with the area and would close off the vista from Grand Parade.
The board upheld the city council’s permission however and the 9,200 square metres scheme looks set to go ahead before the end of the year.
“We would hope to get it moving straight away — this year, if possible,” says Tom Galvin. “On a site of this size there should be over 300 construction jobs.”
The new Sullivan’s Quay development was designed by Scott Tallon and Walker in three blocks facing north over the river.
Heights vary from eight to 10 storeys and the proposed new building ends in a tall, circular tower overlooking Grand Parade.
The new development will offer a significant boost to a recession-hit city where commercial and residential schemes currently lie vacant.
Bam Property, the former Ascon/Rohcon acquired the site in a sale/ swap with the Revenue Commissioners who moved to purpose-built offices in Blackpool, built by the company.
The firm has a turnover of €500 million per annum and is one of the five biggest construction companies in Ireland.
Its contracts have included Cork Airport Terminal, the refurbishment and extension of Cork County Hall, the Kinsale Road flyover. The group are also in the process of completing UCC’s new €67m IT building.
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