Scaled-down plans for €70m landmark site get green light

AMBITIOUS but scaled-down plans to redevelop Cork’s landmark Capitol Cinema site have been given the green light.

Wed, 25 Mar, 2009 - 00:00

However, an appeal to An Bord Pleanála against the multi-million revamp of the Grand Parade site is likely to delay the start of any building work until the end of this year at the earliest.

The decision to green light the project follows a lengthy planning saga.

Low-key publicity shy developer, Joe O’Donovan, spent up to e70 million in recent years acquiring the cinema complex and several adjoining sites, including some of which front on to St Patrick’s Street.

They included the Oyster Tavern, a protected structure which is to remain as a bar/restaurant, and The Vineyard.

Plans lodged by his company, Padlake Ltd, called for the demolition of 14 and 15 Grand Parade, the Capitol Cinema Building, 16-20 Grand Parade, 55, 55A, 56 and 57 Patrick Street as well as the refurbishment of the Oyster Tavern on Market Lane.

The structures were to be replaced with a e200m development including a five-storey building over a three-storey basement for offices, retail and restaurant/bar use.

Those plans were cleared by city planners in February 2008 but shot down on appeal to Bord Pleanála despite a recommendation from a senior planning inspector that they go ahead with conditions.

The board said its decision was based on the significant heritage of the 18th/19th century buildings, and that the planned structures would be visually obtrusive from Washington Street and along Grand Parade.

The new approved plans are lower in height with four floors above ground level, as well as three basement levels.

A spokesperson for the company said they are expecting an appeal and have allowed time for that.

The best case scenario is that subject to appeal, building work will start by the end of this year, or early next year, with a 15-month build period.

It is hoped the project will be finished by early 2011.

Meanwhile, the Savoy nightclub on St Patrick’s Street has been forced to shut down because of a licensing issue with the company that operates it.

However, it is hoped that the venue will reopen within days and that all the jobs are safe.