Construction begins on 'ambitious' public realm redevelopment in Cork City

Cork City Council says all of the works involved are due to be completed by the end of 2025

CGI image showing a redeveloped South Main Street, with the Beamish and Crawford building in the background. Picture: Cork City Council

Construction has officially begun on one of "the most ambitious public realm programmes ever undertaken" in Cork.

Cork City Council says infrastructure and public realm works on the Beamish and Crawford Quarter commenced on Tuesday. 

As part of the project, Bishop Lucey Park in the city centre will be redeveloped entirely, and construction will start later this week on two new pedestrian/cycle bridges — one linking South Main Street/Lamley’s Lane to Crosses Green, and another linking French’s Quay/Proby’s Quay to the Beamish and Crawford site. The bridges are being built by Jons Civil Engineering. 

A CGI impression of the redeveloped Bishop Lucey Park. Picture: Cork City Council

The project, which is funded by the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, with support from the National Transport Authority and Cork City Council, will also see streetscapes improved on a number of streets in and around Cork City centre, including South Main Street, Tuckey Street, French's Quay, Proby’s Quay, Keyser's Hill, Crosses’ Green, Wandesford Quay and Hanover Place/Hanover Street. 

Cork City Council says that in addition to the construction of the new bridges, the contractor will also carry out repairs and cleaning of the quay walls in the area where necessary. 

To facilitate the beginning of the works, the road at Crosses' Green, from the junction with Wandesford Quay to the junction with Proby's Quay, will close until May of next year, though local access will be maintained and diversions will be put in place. 

The council says all of the works are due to be completed by the end of 2025. 

A CGI impression of how Crosses' Green will look after being redeveloped. Picture: Cork City Council

Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Kieran McCarthy welcomed the redevelopment of the Beamish and Crawford Quarter. 

“This scheme will see a complete rejuvenation of the historical area around the southern gateway to the medieval city, connecting the Grand Parade and a series of historic lanes, streets and Bishop Lucey Park with the south channel of the River Lee and the city centre business and retail district and creating a focal point for people to enjoy," he said.  

“The union of new and modern infrastructure appropriate to a growing and thriving European city, with the preservation and restoration of the rich heritage and history of this portion of the city’s medieval spine, will connect Cork City’s past, present and future."