Demolition begins at Cork’s Sextant Bar site to clear way for 24-storey apartment tower
The mixed-tenure Railway Apartments will deliver 217 apartments in a partnership between Cork City Council, housing body Clúid, and developers and site owner JCD Group. Picture: Larry Cummins
Diggers and demolition crews have moved in on the former Sextant Bar site to clear the way for a 24-storey apartment tower in the heart of Cork City, a block away from City Hall.
Due to take two years to complete, the mixed-tenure Railway Apartments will deliver 217 apartments in a partnership between Cork City Council, housing body Clúid, and developers and site owner JCD Group.
When built, it will have risen seven storeys taller than the adjacent Elysian development which was completed in 2008.
It may once more restore the title of Ireland’s tallest building to Cork City after the 71m Elysian tower held that boast for a period, as did the 1960’s Cork County Hall in previous decades.
Dublin currently has the 79m Capital Dock tower. Belfast’s Obel building, with 233 apartments and offices, is 85m high.
The 85m Railyard Apartments tower is due to provide cost-rental, social housing and "right-sizing" homes for "senior" occupants after funding was signed off by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in August.
The site was formerly a rail station by Eglinton St and Albert Quay, later occupied by Carey Tools and the now-demolished Sextant Bar.
Following site exploration tests, main contractors PJ Hegarty has taken control of the site with demolition work taking place this month. Piling is expected to begin in October, with the overall project scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027, according to a JCD spokesperson. PJ Hegarty also built the Elysian tower next door.
Railyard Apartments will shade it height-wise, while parking is not being provided for in the development. It will include a new bar/restaurant and public spaces, and integrate protected structures.
