Former cinema site - Turning point for Cork City

A COMMERCIAL site in the centre of Cork City that has been derelict for more than a decade is set for a multi-million euro investment and retail development. 

That’s the good news for a city that has seen less proportional investment during the Celtic Tiger years than smaller urban centres such as Limerick or Waterford.

Even better news is that the whole project is being spearheaded by a local developer with a track record for making things happen. John Cleary plans to turn the prime Capitol cinema site on Grand Parade into a foodies’ paradise, building on Cork’s strength as the food capital of Ireland.

The site backs on to the main thoroughfare of St Patrick Street as well as being adjacent to the celebrated English market, a place beloved of locals and visitors alike, among them Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.

Mr Cleary certainly knows his onions. He has track record of success in office development and urban renewal, particularly in the suburb of Mahon and his involvement with work under way on the city’s Albert Quay.

If this development goes ahead and becomes the success it is hoped to be, it will complement plans elsewhere in the city, including the regeneration of the Pairc Ui Chaoimh stadium and the building of a major events centre on the site of the old Beamish brewery.

This could be the turning point that Cork city sorely needs.