Concerns over development as historic Cork building in ‘decline’

Concerns have been raised about a docklands development which includes historic buildings that a councillor said he fears are in decline and in need of intervention, with or without the developer.

In 2020, the green light was given for the €140m redevelopment of the old Port of Cork site on Custom House Quay, to include a hotel, retail and office space, and a maritime heritage attraction.

The developer pledged to spend up to €25m conserving and adapting the 200-year-old bonded warehouses.

With work on the site yet to get underway, Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy has said it is “horrific to watch” their apparent deterioration.

Mr McCarthy also asked for an update on the warehouses at this week’s council meeting.

Developer Tower Holdings Group said at the time of seeking planning permission that the development — including retail units, restaurants, office space, recreational areas, and a micro-distillery — would become an iconic landmark in the heart of Cork city and could create up to 800 jobs.

Planning permission was granted for a 34-storey, 240-bedroom hotel, more than twice the height of Cork’s current tallest building, The Elysian.

The new tower, when built, would feature the incorporation and restoration of the historic Custom House.

Under the plans, the bonded warehouses on the site would be given “a new lease of life” and opened to public access for the first time.

Permission was granted in March 2021, meaning it is likely to expire in March 2026.

At this week’s council meeting, Niall Ó Donnabháin, the council’s director of planning and integrated development, responded to Mr McCarthy, saying that the bonded warehouses “are protected structures of national significance”.

“The site is in private ownership, and the responsibility for the site and building rests with the owners.

“There is a live planning application on this site granted by An Bord Pleanála on March 22, 2021, for the redevelopment of the Custom House site to provide a 240-bedroom hotel and a range of commercial uses including, retail, office, food and beverage, distillery, tourism, and leisure.

“Cork City Council fully supports the development of this important heritage and gateway site. Following engagement, the owner remains focused on developing the site in line with the granted planning permission, and Cork City Council will assist where possible, including exploring potential funding opportunities, to see this realised.” 

Speaking to The Echo after the meeting, Mr McCarthy said he was raising the concerns following the recent European Maritime Day activities on the quayside, when members of the public had the opportunity to walk around the exterior of the building.

“I respect the live planning permission and the forthcoming investment into the overall site,” he said, but added that he remained concerned about the condition of the buildings.

“I appreciate the work pursued by the council’s planning team to engage the developer to start their development.

“For my part, I will keep pushing for the planning unit to do more engagement and use any legal tools at their disposal to halt any further decline.” Tower Holdings Group was contacted for comment.