Work installing Sky Garden to begin next year

Work installing the controversial Sky Garden in Cork is set to begin next February with plans for a gala opening as part of The Gathering.

City manager Tim Lucey confirmed last night that the design and layout for all elements of the garden’s inclusion in the Mardyke Garden project — the revamp of the city’s Fitzgerald’s Park — have been finalised.

Landscape consultants overseeing the park’s revamp have recommended some location changes for some elements of the project, Mr Lucey told councillors last night.

Those changes will require a revised Part 8 planning process, he said.

“The revised Part 8 will be advertised within two weeks and, subject to approval, works will commence in Feb 2013 with an estimated completion date of Jul/Aug 2013.

“A major event is under consideration for the official opening of the project to tie in with The Gathering.”

Gavin’s garden is expected to be scaled down, with health and safety issues grounding the flying pod.

News that work installing Gavin’s Avatar-inspired garden in the city is set to begin is the latest phase in the long-running saga.

The garden won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2011, but it became mired in controversy amid concerns that some €2.3m of taxpayer’s money was being spent on it and its installation in Cork.

Mr Gavin slated the city council for its handling of the entire project and called for it to be scrapped.

The council defended its role in the scheme before cutting all ties with Mr Gavin and ploughing on with the project without him.

The garden’s signature pod, slung from a crane, has been in storage in Cork’s Showgrounds ever since.