Planning permission sought for bar at site of former Cork bookshop

Planning permission has been sought for a new bar on the site of the former Uneeda bookshop on Oliver Plunkett Street.

Mutual Enterprises, which operates An Brόg Bar, BarBarossa, Voodoo Rooms Nightclub, PopScene Late Bar, BarBarella Bar & The Alibi Bar and Kitchen, has lodged a planning application for the development. 

The company bought the premises of the former bookstore on No. 71 Oliver Plunkett Street, operated by John Coffey for over 30 years, in the summer of 2022.

They are seeking permission for the change of use of the building from the bookshop and stores to a licenced premises, which, if approved, would include a ground-floor bar and first-floor office and store.

The proposal also includes a sky-bridge structure traversing over Market Avenue, which would link with adjoining licenced premises on Nos. 72-74 Oliver Plunkett Street, the BarBarossa, Bróg and Voodoo rooms.

Mutual Enterprises have also applied for permission to extend the height of the rear roof section, as well as for changes to the façade of the building including a new shop front, signage, doors and fenestration, and alterations to the Market Avenue façade, to include new doors and shop pilasters.

A decision from the council is expected by March 4, 2024.