Urban wetlands plan for Páirc Uí Chaoimh revealed

A system of urban water gardens and wetland eco-systems with boardwalks and adventure trails are part of an architect’s vision for a vast public park in Cork to rival Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

Cork City Council last night released the first artist’s impression of the winning design concept for the proposed Marina Park, which will be developed on some 35-hectares surrounding Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The Irish Examiner first reported last week that the contract to design the park, which will wrap around the stadium, was awarded to Dutch and Irish landscape architects OKRA and REDscape. The council released more detailed information last night.

They have billed the park as Ireland’s first large-scale urban wetlands and park surrounding a modern sports stadium. The design concept includes:

* A sequence of urban water gardens;

* Watercourses and wetland areas which will recycle storm water from the adjacent docklands and create a sustainable environment for the new city park on the River Lee;

* Contemporary urban spaces will be generated around Páirc Uí Chaoimh to host cultural events, festivities and gatherings.

Pat Ledwidge, the director of the council’s strategic planning and economic development directorate, said the park would act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the entire south docklands area.

“This proposed regional park will achieve a number of objectives for the city including the provision of a world-class modern urban park facility for the citizens of Cork while facilitating the upgrading of Páirc Uí Chaoimh into a high-quality, modern sports centre.”

Last month, the council voted to rezone a parcel of land alongside the stadium to facilitate the GAA’s plans to develop a centre of excellence and a 1,000-seat stand. The architects will have to factor this proposal into their overall design.

Local residents have vowed to object to the GAA’s plans when it lodges a planning application, expected before the end of the summer.

The Marina Park development will be implemented over a number of years on a phased basis as funding allows. While the cost for the four-phase design project is about €600,000, the city manager has only given approval for the first two phases — valued at about €240,000.