'Huge opportunity to revitalise historic street' as four buildings in Cork city centre acquired by council

Four eyesore buildings on North Main St in Cork city centre have been acquired by Cork City Council under the terms of the derelict sites legislation, and construction is expected to commence at the location next year, a spokesperson for the local authority has confirmed.

Numbers 62-65 North Main St — known as Paradise Place — are now vested in the city council following their acquisition under the terms of the 1990 Derelict Sites Act.

“Several options to explore redevelopment of the properties are being assessed,” a council spokesperson told The Echo.

“The assessment will identify the preferable and viable option to Cork City Council to progress and obtain permission to redevelop.

“The ambition is to have that process complete in 2025 and construction commence in 2026.”

According to former lord mayor and city councillor Mick Finn, the acquisition of the buildings has created what he described as a “gateway opportunity” for one of Cork’s main thoroughfares.

“A huge opportunity now exists to revitalise and rejuvenate one of Cork’s most historic and colourful streets,” said Mr Finn.

“Dereliction has been allowed to fester on North Main St for too long. It’s now time for development proposals for the transformation of derelict properties there, which will help breathe new life into such a proud, historic area. An imaginative, exciting use could help to unlock the potential of a street to make it a go-to destination in the city. An entire block could really open up the start of the street,” he said.

“For too long, buildings have laid empty with legal issues over ownership etc. There are lots of good businesses there, investing in their offering and trying to keep the streetscape nice…these efforts are being thwarted by inaction and largely dependent on private development.

“Now, there is an opportunity for the council to remedy this once and for all and step up for North Main St.”

Mr Finn, who represented the Middle Parish and North Main St area for 15 years as a councillor, added that a new plan — similar to that being imagined for Douglas St — was required.

“Better planting and capacity for street furniture and outdoor dining etc is also required.

“We saw how this transformed MacCurtain St and we see plans being unveiled for Douglas St. North Main St is another area that needs considerable work.

“We also need to preserve some of the history of the set of buildings that once housed Cork’s famed Hosford’s Bakery as part of any revamp. It’s time to seize the moment now that ownership of properties has been largely sorted out.”

A housing and retail blend is needed for this “crucial and iconic” part of North Main St, which could include some educational or service use, he added.

Cork anti-dereliction campaigners Frank O’Connor and Jude Sherry welcomed the completion of the compulsory purchase order process in relation to the North Main St properties, but said the pace of progress was “far too slow”.

“It is hard to digest it has taken six years since their [partial] collapse on Cork’s historic core, while they have been on the Derelict Sites Register since 2015.

“Their presence since has had a devastating impact on the street and the wider area, negatively impacting the community, local economy, tourism as well as heritage.”