Massive 623-bed student block on Cork's former Coca-Cola plant takes a step forward

TENDERS have been issued for the main contractor for a large-scale student accommodation development in Cork city.

The 623-bed project is expected to cost in the region of €30 million and is set for the site of the former Coca-Cola Plant on the Carrigrohane Road.

When the plans from Future Generation, who are behind a number of large-scale student accommodation developments in the UK, were granted permission in 2019, it was anticipated that work would be completed ahead of the 2021-2022 academic year, however, it’s now estimated to be completed a year later.

Planning permission was in place for the site since 2017 to build 484 student beds, in buildings ranging from four to seven storeys.

 However, Future Generation lodged fresh plans in 2019, having acquired the site, increasing the number of apartments from 92 to 167, and bed spaces from 484 to 623.

The buildings are expected to range between six and ten storeys.

This development will be the company’s first Irish venture, and the company previously told The Echo they hoped the development would “drive Future Generation’s European expansion further.” 

There is an outstanding application for modification of some of the aspects of the permission granted in 2019, however, which Cork City Council’s planning department have yet to rule on.

Future Generation Bottle Factory Limited applied for an additional 11 car parking spaces at surface level to increase car capacity from 8 to 19. They also want to reorganise the bicycle parking areas, as well as the relocation of an internal communal refuse store and substation.

A response on that application is expected in June.

It comes following the planning application for 48 student apartments on the nearby Model Farm Road. 

It’s the third application made for the site, which has seen the number of apartments grow slightly each time. A decision is due on that development later this month.