Proposed campus a big boost for city and region

THE decision by Cork city manager Joe Gavin to make a city centre site available at a nominal charge for the development of a centre for architecture and design is a key investment in the future of third-level education in the city and region.

It gives a civic impetus to the collaborative vision of CIT and UCC to create in Cork a national centre for architecture, design, art and media.

This year a new course in architecture at undergraduate and postgraduate level commenced in Cork.

A new, purpose-built building in the city centre is the next logical step. The proposed White Street site is perfectly positioned to create a dynamic campus in proximity to St John’s College of Further Education, the School of Music and the College of Commerce.

It is critically important in my estimation that any new such campus would include a purpose-built replacement for the existing Crawford College of Art.

This provision is long overdue.

The current building, for all its historical importance and architectural merit, is no longer the best for teaching and learning.

Art students all over the world thrive in city centre locations.

The opportunity to realise the overall vision of a National Centre for Architecture, Design, Art and Media is now within our grasp.

Mairín Quill

Wellington Road

Cork