Gem of a city apartment complex

ONE of Cork city’s best designed new apartment complexes is hiding its light under a bushel - you’d need a helicopter to realise just how successfully it has been squeezed into its quayside site.

The Coppinger Court 15 million development of 43 apartments and duplexes, large pub and retained old buildings being converted to apartments overhead with commercial units at ground level, barely registers on the street level at Pope’s Quay, near the North Gate bridge where a new pedestrian bridge is promised for 2005.

The highly liveable units are in seven blocks, laid out over six levels set into and going up a hillside, each with own-door access, large glazed areas, quality teak cladding, and with communal patios and terraces.

If there is a downside to the scheme it is that the public won’t generally see just how good this standard-setting development is and demand more of the same on the last of the city sites to be developed.

The superbly successful scheme, with Section 23 tax reliefs, was undertaken by two local businessmen, Michael Finn of Northside Glass, and Denis MacSweeney who owned the property, an awkward site running back into a cliff-face under Shandon Street.

Staying local, they employed the services of Pat Creedon of Magee Creedon, an award-winning architectural practice based on North Main Street, who specialise in urban infill and Over the Shop developments.

The scheme has virtually sold out, primarily to investors, says Peter O’Flynn of Colliers Jackson Stops, who marketed it quietly since last Autumn, through the firm’s own client list and through accountants.

Three apartments are left to sell, a 600 sq ft one-bed at 200,000, and two 800-sq ft units at 245,000 each. Earlier prices saw some one-beds go at 175,000, and eight non-designated units in a portion of the site sold from 145,000 to 200,000.

The location is prime for rentals, and should be in increasing demand. despite a strong surge in supply and dropping rents in suburban locations. The nearby quays, including Camden and Carrolls’s Quays, may see several hundred more apartments developed in the next two years.

Also at the Coppinger Court development, Colliers Jackson Stops are selling a large 2,500 sq ft pub with 80 sq ft of overhead space, with a loose 1.25 million-plus price guide with capital allowances.