Cork Docklands regeneration plans move a step closer

A render of some of the proposed public space at Cork Docklands on the south docks. Cork City Council said the project 'will transform the quayside into a socially inclusive and universally accessible urban space'. Photo: Cork City Council

Landmark plans for a €125m regeneration of Cork City’s south docks are moving a step closer, with the city council set to spend €10m on project managers and designers to oversee the project.

The long-awaited rejuvenation of the quayside will “grow the heart of the city”, according to Cork City Council, which will create walkable neighbourhoods and people-centred streets and spaces.

However, this move comes after warnings that planning delays are stalling the docklands developments in Cork with further investment also needed.

In tender documents, the city council said that this specific €125m scheme, which is just part of wider investment in the overall docklands project, starts at the junction of Kennedy Quay, Victoria Road and Albert Quay and extends over 3km to Blackrock Village.

Linking these two sections is the point at which the South Docklands Public Realm Scheme connects to the Marina Park and Promenade. The project will include public realm improvements and riverside amenities with integrated flood defences and repairs to historic quay walls.

Cork City Council said that key to the development, as well as protecting against flooding, would be to create unique spaces to draw people to the area. It said that the indicative cost of €125m for this part of the project does not include any land acquisition that may be required.

“The Cork Docklands South Quays project will transform the quayside into a socially inclusive and universally accessible urban space, with improved connections to and from the wider city, an animated waterfront edge with placemaking at its heart and landmark amenity space for residents, workers, and visitors alike,” the council said.

It wants suitably qualified project managers and designers to submit their proposals to City Hall by the end of August.

Housing plans

Also part of the plans for the docklands are a massive new housing scheme comprising of 1,325 apartments which were granted planning permission last year.

The moves to transform the docks have been welcomed by Cork Chamber, with its CEO Conor Healy commenting of the housing scheme: “A development of this scale is exactly what the city needs as it continues to grow sustainably. It will instill huge confidence for FDI and will be key in attracting and maintaining a highly skilled and diverse workforce.” 

However, O’Callaghan Properties managing director Brian O’Callaghan has warned that significant delays in the planning process are holding up the developments of certain dockland projects.

“We have planning permission for the Goulding’s site for 1,325 apartments,” he told the Southern Construction Summit in May. “That is subject to other planning permission which is currently delayed since October 2022.

“I am sorry to say that we are still waiting for that 18 months later and it is holding up developments of apartments in the Docklands.” Mr O’Callaghan added that international capital would be needed to follow through on the ambitious plans for the docklands as “what has been done to date is not enough”.