Plans for public space to rival Phoenix Park unveiled
The draft masterplan for Marina Park on the River Lee, which will wrap around a revamped Páirc Uí Chaoimh, will be discussed by city councillors on Dec 10 before going on public display in January.
The design will probably be tweaked again based on feedback from that process before a final design is agreed.
The draft masterplan, presented to councillors on Monday night, sets out the vision for what has been described as Ireland’s first large-scale urban wetlands, and is the first concrete proposal for the 35-hectare docklands site since concept drawings were produced earlier this year.
Residents in the Ballintemple area, who have vowed to object to the GAA’s plan to develop an all-weather pitch and 1,000-seat stand in the centre of the park, declined to comment in detail last night.
“It’s too early for us to comment on the designs,” said Save Marina Park campaign spokesman Denis O’Regan. “We are due to meet later this week to discuss the proposals so until we have had time to examine the proposals in detail as part of the public consultation, we will reserve judgment.”
The draft masterplan has been prepared by Dutch and Irish landscape architects Okra and Redscape, who won an international design competition run by Cork City Council earlier this year.
They have proposed to develop a system of urban water gardens and wetland eco-systems with boardwalks and adventure trails on about 35-hectares around Páirc Uí Chaoimh — including the former Showgrounds site.
They have included the GAA’s proposed all-weather pitch next to the stadium — a pitch which forms part of Cork County Board’s ambitious €67m regeneration of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The county board is still liaising with the Marina Park design consultants as it finalises its design plans.
Cork County Board chairman Bob Ryan said detailed design of the new stadium was continuing.
“We are not in a position to enter a formal pre-planning process at the moment but hope to be soon.”
Marina Park will be developed in phases over several years 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 design phases — valued at about €240,000.
Meanwhile, the regeneration of Páirc Uí Chaoimh is set to create about 400 direct and indirect construction jobs.
Both stands will be redeveloped and roofed. New dressing rooms, toilets, meeting rooms and warm-up areas will be provided.
The new stadium will have a games capacity of 45,000.
The all-weather pitch forms part of a proposed centre of excellence, which will feature a large stand.
The GAA has said it hopes the entire redevelopment will be completed by 2015.
* The Marina walkway will be upgraded with new picnic areas and a playground featuring tree top walks, high ropes, and a small BMX track.
* Wide undulating pathways will weave through the park.
* A wetland adventure play area will be developed to the north of the GAA stadium, with water pumped from the Atlantic Pond.
* The Atlantic Pond will be enhanced with picnic areas, new seating, and planting.
* The central hall of the former Showgrounds will be transformed in to a covered event space and playground.
* Former sheds will be converted for arts and culture uses, or for use by bike rental firms.
* The former Showgrounds stand will be relocated to serve nearby boat clubs.
* Formalised parking will be provided along Monahan Rd, with “restricted parking” for special guests on a small number of days for events and matches located in another car park just east of the stadium.
