Developer to proceed with original apartment plan for Cork's Sextant site 

Company said changes in Government policy meant original plan was now viable

Work underway on the site of the former Sextant Bar on Albert Quay, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

The developer of the former Sextant bar site in Cork city is to revert to their original plans and build residential apartments.

The JCD Group, through Progressive Commercial Construction Ltd, had originally secured planning permission in 2020 for a 25-storey residential development with more than 200 apartments on the former Careys Tool Hire and Sextant bar site in the city's South Docklands.

However, the following year, after the Sextant was demolished, the company lodged fresh plans for a 16-storey office development citing the financial non-viability of apartments on the site which would need rents of €2,800 per month to work. Permission was granted for the office development in March 2022.

However, in a statement today, the JCD Group confirmed it is conducting initial enabling works to help complete the detailed design and costings for the structure of the permitted apartment development.

The company said recent changes in Government policy were being brought forward to address the viability issues associated with the delivery of apartments which can be offered for rent at affordable prices.

A spokesperson said: “We are very focused on delivering apartments on the site and are engaging with the relevant stakeholders to progress the project."

"The development of apartments was our original vision for the site, and it is very positive to see government policy now supporting the delivery of high-quality apartments in prime city centre locations. There is an urgent need for the development of apartments in Cork city to support the ongoing growth of the city."