217 apartments proposed for former Sextant and Carey's Tool Hire site in Cork city centre

Cork City Council is proposing a partnership with JCD Group to deliver a substantial cost-rental apartment scheme on the former Sextant and Carey's Tool Hire site on Albert Quay.

'The Railyard Apartments' will deliver 217 new homes at the heart of the city Docklands, consisting of a mix of studios, one, two, and three bedroom units.

The scheme will consist of a 24 storey tower on Albert Quay/Albert Street, which will step down to 12 storeys and then nine storeys.

The design is similar to what was previously granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála, with minor modifications to comply with updated fire safety and apartment standards. 

It is also proposed to omit the basement car park, given the site's good proximity to public transport networks.

Previously, developers Progressive Commercial Construction Limited, part of the JCD Group, had submitted a Strategic Housing Development application (SHD) for the development of more than 200 ‘build-to-rent’ apartments at the site, which was green lit by An Bord Pleanála in 2020.

However, following the demolition of the Sextant, the group said it was not financially viable to go through with the original plan.

It subsequently lodged a separate planning application with Cork City Council and was granted permission to develop an office scheme at the site instead.

But earlier this year, citing recent measures to improve viability of housing construction, the developers decided to progress with a residential development.

John Cleary of JCD Group said: “We are delighted to progress this project with Cork City Council to deliver badly needed affordable apartments, so close to the city centre and major public transport links. 

"The development of apartments was our original vision for this site and following welcome State initiatives, these affordable units can now be delivered. The project will be known as The Railyard Apartments in recognition of the site’s history as a terminus for the Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway.” 

JCD Group will also carry out the already permitted renovation and upgrade works to the listed buildings located to the rear of the site, to be completed in parallel with the proposed apartments. This will consist of a new bar/restaurant in the former terminus building, a new publicly accessible plaza and the refurbishment of the former Carey House building.

The proposal includes an area on the ground floor which will be dedicated to exclusive use by both the local community and the arts.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, said: “The Railyard Apartments development, is a project which will facilitate Cork City Docklands to continue to take a leading role in our City’s future as it has done in the past, delivering a vibrant place to live and work, and taking a dynamic approach to reimagining a historic site and location. 

"This re-imagination will include the delivery of a proposed community/arts space at ground floor level which will promote the continued civic and cultural growth of the city centre.” 

Brian Geaney, Deputy Chief Executive, Cork City Council added: “This highly sustainable project, at the gateway to the Docklands, demonstrates Cork City Council’s commitment to the delivery of affordable accommodation in highly accessible locations close to the city centre. 

"This new proposal for a mixed tenure scheme of 217 new homes will be the catalyst to further unleash the potential of the Docklands area as a place to work, live and socialise in the very heart of Cork City and also demonstrates Cork City Council’s commitment to prioritising brownfield development in the delivery of mixed tenure schemes in the urban area."

The Railyard Apartments development is a collaboration between Cork City Council and JCD Group and arises from Cork City Council’s Competitive Dialogue procurement process which seeks to deliver innovative solutions to social and affordable housing delivery in the city. 

Cork City Council proposes to partner with an approved housing body for the ultimate delivery of this mixed tenure scheme.

The proposed mixed tenure cost-rental and social housing development, to include Rightsizing homes for older persons, is progressing through the Part 8 Planning process which includes a public consultation process. 

The proposed development will be put forward for the approval of the elected members of Cork City Council later in the Autumn.

If planning is granted on the development, construction is expected to start in Q1 2025.