Council receives number of submissions for Cork event centre

Shortlisting of projects to take place after return date for proposals to develop the site expired on June 23

The vicinity of the previously proposed event centre site on South Main Street, Cork, pictured earlier this year. File pictureLarry Cummins

Cork City Council received “a number” of submissions from parties interested in developing the event centre, it has confirmed, as the project moves to the next stage.

The sod for the centre was turned at the former Beamish and Crawford site by then taoiseach Enda Kenny in February 2016, but the project has stalled since then, and spiralling costs led to a government decision to retender in October 2024.

A project development board was set up, chaired by city council assistant chief executive Brian Geaney.

The retendering means the site for the event centre is still up in the air, although construction company BAM is understood to be proposing its South Main St again. It was chosen in the initial tender process in 2010.

Other locations such as the Marina and a site adjacent to Páirc Uí Chaoimh have also been proposed.

However, it is unclear how many official submissions have been made and who has made them.

In September 2025, the project development board issued a call for expressions of interest. 

In April 2026, following Cabinet approval, the council formally launched the suitability assessment questionnaire (SAQ) process.

Communication sent to councillors on Thursday said: “As you are aware the formal tendering process was initiated in recent months, following approval of the preliminary business case by Government.” 

The return date for proposals to develop the site expired on June 23, councillors were told.

“Shortlisting will now take place following evaluation of the SAQ submissions, in accordance with public procurement requirements.

“The process will lead to the issuing later this year of tender documents, followed by a process to select a preferred bidder,” said the council spokesperson.

“I can confirm that the council has received a number of SAQ submissions. 

"As this is a live competition, I am unable to provide any further information on the exact number received or the identity of bidders.”