Sextant skyscraper in Cork gets go-ahead

The skyline of Cork looks set to change, as a skyscraper in the heart of the city has been given the go-ahead.

An Bord Pleanala has granted permission for 201 build-to-rent apartments to be constructed on the site of Carey Tool Hire and the former Sextant Bar, Albert Quay, Cork City.

It will see 93 one-bed apartments, 104 two-bed apartments and four three-bed apartments in a building that ranges in height from eight to 11 to 24 storeys over ground floor.

The development will also see a range of amenities installed such as a lounge area, library, workspace, meeting rooms, coffee dock, games room, cinema room, dining area, gym, a ground floor cafe, public plaza, two rooftop terraces and an internal amenity area on Level 24.

Developers Progressive Commercial Construction Limited, part of the JCD Group, will also construct two basement levels, which will include 402 cycle spaces and 62 parking spaces.

The renovation of two protected structures also forms part of this project with the two-storey former Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway Offices, and the adjoining single-storey former Blackrock and Passage Railway Terminus Ticket Office, to be retained.

Initially, they will be reused as a temporary construction compound for the proposed development, and then refurbished as part of the proposed development for a private rented office and for public bar/restaurant use.

The existing two-storey Carey Tool Hire building and the three-storey former Sextant Public House are to be demolished.

In total, An Bord Pleanala received seven submissions on the development, some of which cited concerns over the visual impact of the project, objected to the demolition of the Sextant, and said that the development would set an undesirable precedent.

Two of the seven submissions were in favour of the development - which said that the development was appropriate and that housing was needed in Cork city.

There are 31 conditions attached to the planning permission - some of which include that the apartments will be long term rentals only, and that an agreement be put in place that the development will be owned and operated by the same company for a minimum of 15 years, with no individual until sold in the intervening period.