Modernised ‘Mall’ would ‘get more suits on streets’

Cork’s traditional office precinct on South Mall needs to modernise to provide the hi-tech office space which is being sought by national and international investors.

This would help re-balance economic activity towards the city centre to get more “suits on the streets”.

The recommendation comes from Colliers International, one of the world’s top commercial real estate agencies, following a presentation by two of its key experts at the Global Cork Economic Forum held in the city last week as part of Rebel Week.

Roger Hobkinson, director, of destination consulting and Michael Donohoe, director of corporate solutions, both from Colliers, have been working on projects and strategies to help the Cork region position itself for the upturn.

They said arising out of the forum, there now needs to be concerted partnership action for delivery of the think-tank ideas. “Cork, with major strengths in high growth business sectors — ICT, agribusiness, biopharma, energy and tourism — requires a fresh approach to accommodating the future growth opportunities discussed at the forum,” Mr Hobkinson said.

He said significant dispersed development in retail, office, tourism and residential projects — including to out-of-town locations like Mahon and Blackpool — has contributed to a “challenged” city centre.

And while major schemes like the proposed events centre are poised to start in 2014, Mr Hobkinson said modernisation of office space, development of large floor plate office space in the city centre and its fringes, technology and food business hubs, urban residential, improved retail, and a clear compelling place brand and marketing strategy for the Cork region, will “help elevate” the city nationally and internationally.

He said the city should look to Spinningfields in Manchester and Brindleyplace in Birmingham as to how new office-led Central Business Districts helped revitalise two of England’s top cities.