Planning sought for development at former Turkish baths in Cork

Planning permission is being sought for a large scale residential development (LRD) in Cork at the former site of Ireland’s first Turkish Baths.

An application, lodged by OMD(C) Ltd, was submitted to Cork City Council last month, seeking permission to construct a 100-residential unit development at the former St Ann’s Hydropathic Establishment in Blarney.

The proposed development will see the partial demolition, conservation and refurbishment of the remains of the former Turkish Baths, which is a protected structure, to construct 63 new houses, 23 new apartment units, and 14 new apartment/duplex units, as well as a creche facility.

The former Turkish Baths, founded by Dr Richard Barter in 1843, operated as a purpose-built facility for the provision of hydro-therapy medical care for people suffering from diseases of the body and mind.

While at its peak during the 1870s, during the Victorian-age of medicine, the baths operated for more than 100 years, only closing its doors in 1952.

The partial demolition, conservation and refurbishment of the baths, will facilitate the integration of the remains into a proposed two storey apartment building.

The two-storey building will consist of 16 apartments, inclusive of eight 1-bedroom and eight 2-bedroom units, with an adjacent two storey mixed-use building, housing a creche at ground floor and two 2-bedroom apartments at first floor.

The plans also provide for the partial demolition, conservation and refurbishment of the remains of the former stable buildings, to facilitate integration into six terrace units, inclusive of one four-bedroom, three three-bedroom and two two-bedroom homes.

They further provide for the refurbishment and change of use of the former Coach House, to facilitate one three-bedroom detached dwelling house, and for the construction of a two storey apartment building, accommodating five apartment units, inclusive of two two-bedroom and three one-bedroom units.

The construction of a two-three storey apartment/duplex building, accommodating 14 units, is also provided for, inclusive of seven two-bedroom, and seven one-bedroom units.

The proposed development additionally provides for the construction of a further 56 detached, semi-detached and terraced dwelling houses, comprising 15 four-bedroom, 17 three-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom units.

The plans also include the restoration of the former Clock Tower structure and parkland, which served the former St Ann’s Hydropathic Establishment.

Cork City Council is due to make a decision on the application by November 13.