Work begins designing the future layout of Tivoli

The Port of Cork has begun the long term project to redesign the Tivoli Docklands to create a major new part of the city for people to live and work.

The company is seeking a contractor to prepare a master plan for the 152-acre site and carry out the design for the site once container operations are moved to Ringaskiddy in the coming years.

The contractors will be tasked with designing new roads, streets and neighbourhoods along with deciding the size and type of thousands of new buildings.

The Port of Cork has begun construction of a new €80 million container terminal in Ringaskiddy and this project is due for completion in 2020 after which container operations can be moved out of Tivoli freeing up one of the largest industrial areas in Cork for urban development.

The company said the contract will help them establish a vision for Tivoli with a unique and a defined sense of place.

The Masterplan will have to comply with the city council's own Local Area Plan for Tivoli which they are currently preparing along with a transport document for the Docklands that will set down locations for a new train station in Tivoli as well as the location of new bridges that are planned for the Docklands.

According to the Port of Cork, the new Tivoli will create new neighbourhoods with supporting education, leisure and community services.

The masterplan will also draw from the riverside setting to create a link between land and marine uses providing access for small cruise vessels, luxury yachts, visiting naval vessels, harbour ferries and community marine uses.

Tivoli will also be suitable for pedestrians and cyclists with safe and direct routes to the city centre.