Housing scheme on the grounds of former Cork city hospital 'progressing well'

Work at a major residential scheme at Cork’s former St Kevin’s Hospital and grounds in Shanakiel is said to be “progressing well”, with the first phase on track for completion next year.

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has plans to build more than 260 housing units, an enterprise centre, and creche facilities at the site, and recently lodged a planning application seeking some amendments which, if permitted, would see two additional units delivered.

“Work at the St Kevin’s site in Cork city is progressing well, with site enabling works and also stabilisation works to the main hospital building now complete,” an LDA spokesperson told The Echo.

“The contractor for phase one [97 units] is currently on site, and the demolition and bulk earthworks are substantially complete.

“Substructure and superstructure work on the housing units is ongoing, with phase one to be completed in 2025.

“The Land Development Agency has applied for amendments to the permitted SHD [Strategic Housing Development].

“If granted, the scheme will deliver a total of 267 homes.”

The LDA has previously said its vision is to transform the “defunct and derelict former Victorian Mental Asylum lands into a new vibrant residential community for the people of Cork”.

“This underutilised site, on the south-facing Shanakiel Ridge, looking over the River Lee, has the opportunity to be an exemplary housing development offering housing for all sectors of our society in our community.

“The Land Development Agency is mandated by Government to develop such sites that are in public ownership, and there is no better example of such an opportunity as this strategic site in the heart of Cork.”

The housing development project at St Kevin’s, when complete, will deliver a mix of townhouses, duplex, and apartments.

The primary focus of the development will be social and affordable housing, the LDA has stated.