Developer 'actively engaging' with council to conserve historic Cork docklands buildings  

The developer who was granted planning permission for a development in the docklands area of Cork city has given an assurance that work has commenced to address the deteriorating condition of some historic buildings.

The condition of the buildings was raised at last Monday’s meeting of Cork City Council by Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy.

Bonded warehouses 

Developer Tower Holdings Group was granted permission in 2022 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, with €25m to be spent conserving and adapting the 200-year-old bonded warehouses.

A spokesperson for the group told The Echo: “We are actively engaging with Cork City Council, and are currently undertaking clean-up and preliminary remedial works on the structure.”

Mr McCarthy told The Echo he was pleased to hear the developer was working with the authority.

“Their willingness to invest in Cork buildings and find a healthy balance between conservation and finding new uses for the site is appreciated, because it’s not always easy. This heritage structure needs attention as soon as possible,” he said.

Important role

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said: “The revitalisation of central, historic sites like the Custom House has an important role to play in enhancing Cork’s overall offering, alongside other ongoing projects like the regeneration of the Cork docklands. 

"Plans for the multi-purpose use of the site will ensure that its full potential is harnessed, providing a welcome boost to the local business community, encouraging foot fall in the city centre, and creating employment in key sectors like tourism.

“Respecting a site’s heritage and Cork’s maritime tradition is critical in such developments, particularly as Cork’s journey towards becoming a climate-neutral, more sustainable city region continues,” he added.