Refurbishment of historic Cork building gets go ahead as part of regeneration project

Cork City Council approved planning for the refurbishment of the 19th-century Weighmaster’s House to become community resource and creative space

The Weighmaster's House in Shandon: Planning has been approved for a major refurbishment.

Planning has been granted for the refurbishment of a protected building in Cork’s historic Shandon area for use as a community and creative space — a project that could help kickstart the regeneration of the area.

City councillors approved Part 8 planning for the Weighmaster's House project as Cork City Council published the Shandon Integrated Urban Strategy, a 185-page document which sets out more than 30 specific actions designed to enhance the area over the coming years.

Both were approved at the council's March meeting, which heard the Weighmaster’s House project, behind the Cork Butter Market and in the shadow of Shandon steeple, would serve as a “springboard to regenerate” an area steeped in history, heritage and culture.

It will involve the refurbishment of the council-owned 19th-century Weighmaster’s House — a terraced gable-fronted three-bay three-storey property built around 1800 — and the western bay of the former Butter Market, all within the Shandon Architectural Conservation Area, as a “versatile and multifunctional but purposeful and accessible community and creative space”.

It has been designed to become a significant community resource and creative space that could be used as a recording studio, for work desks, meetings, events and exhibitions. It will have an entrance foyer and cafe, a first-floor open plan desk space, and office spaces.

However, the meeting also heard it had not been possible to accommodate the Butter Exchange Band as part of the project because of funding guidelines, but engagement with the band was continuing in the hope of securing accommodation nearby.

The detail emerged as councillors approved Part 8 planning for the project at 2 Church Street.

“Shandon is close to all our hearts, whatever part of the city you’re from. It’s a place of history and heritage, and a place of great community. The project will have a huge impact on the local community,” Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald said.

Sinn Féin councillor Ken Collins described it as a positive development for an area steeped in quirky history and culture.

“But without the redevelopment of the Butter Exchange building, Shandon will not thrive. That project needs to advance hand in hand with this one,” he said.

The council published its Weighmaster’s House plans for public consultation before Christmas.

One submission was received from the Shandon Area Renewal Association, which backed the project.

The council’s head of planning and integrated development, Niall Ó Donnabháin, said the project had been designed to complement the permitted enterprise centre proposed for the adjoining Butter Exchange, and would "undoubtedly enhance the special character" of this part of the city.

“Moreover, the proposal will be an exemplar in conservation and refurbishment and will positively contribute towards the revitalisation of the Shandon urban neighbourhood,” he said. 

Meanwhile, councillors also welcomed the publication of the Shandon strategy document — the first prepared under the ‘Town Centre First’ programme.

It sets out 34 actions in areas such as historic property reactivation, public realm enhancement, sustainable travel and business supports, all within the context of Shandon’s special historic character. 

The Weighmaster's House/Butter Exchange project is one of three strategic regeneration projects proposed — the others are the redevelopment of St Anne's and Dr Mary Hearn Parks, and the revitalisation of Shandon Street itself.

Council chief executive Valerie O'Sullivan said the strategy presented a significant opportunity to position Shandon as a more attractive, vibrant and resilient living neighbourhood within the city.