Modified plans for old Odlums mill lodged

MODIFIED plans for the redevelopment of the former Odlums building in the city’s South Docks have been submitted, with the applicants seeking to change the permitted uses on some floors.

The original application was submitted by Leeside Quays Ltd — a subsidiary of O’Callaghan Properties — in December 2021.

Cork City Council granted conditional planning permission for the mixed-use development, but appeals were subsequently lodged with An Bord Pleanála. However, it was announced last May that the appeals had been withdrawn, clearing the way for the project to commence.

Now some alterations have been proposed, with the application lodged this time by Larchtown Limited.

A planning report states that the proposed modifications relate to the previously permitted redevelopment of the Odlums building and previously permitted development to the rear of the building.

The revised plans would see a separation between the Odlums building and the permitted building to the rear to form two standalone buildings which would also result in the omission of the permitted glass canopy over the central courtyard.

It would see a reduction in height of the permitted extension by one storey which would mean the repurposed Odlums building would be six storeys fronting Kennedy Quay.

The application also seeks permission for modifications and an increase to the western part of the Odlums extension and the infilling of void areas on first and second floor levels of the main building.

Changes to the permitted uses on the ground, first and fifth floors are also proposed.

The ground floor, under the revised proposals, would change from a variety of uses — including retail, rooftop entry, concierge and residential amenity — to reception and cafe, bar, retail or office with the use “to be confirmed prior to occupation”.

The first floor would be developed as office space instead of a boutique shop or cafe while the fifth floor would be changed from a variety of uses — including conference and meetings rooms, a main kitchen and associated building support uses — to cafe, bar, or office with the use again “to be confirmed prior to occupation”.

Additionally, modifications to the previously permitted building to the rear of Odlums are being sought, namely, the change of use from cinema entry and cafe at ground-floor level with a cinema at first-floor level to 14 additional apartments.

Modifications to the ground floor would accommodate nine additional car parking spaces.

The architectural design statement contends that the “architectural intent of the original submission remains and the proposed amendments reflect a vision for Kennedy Quay that delivers a truly mixed use development”.

A decision on the latest planning application is due in March.