‘Milestone’ as 302 new Cork docklands apartments topped out

The topping out of 302 apartments at Cork’s Horgan’s Quay proves that the Government is “pulling every lever available” to address the housing crisis, housing minister James Browne has claimed.

Mr Browne was speaking at a ceremony in Cork yesterday afternoon at a development which will, when completed, consist of 194 two-bedroom apartments and 108 one-bedroom apartments.

The first homes are expected to be completed by the end of next year, and the development will also include a number of commercial units and a creche, as well as the refurbishment of the existing station master’s building.

Topping-out ceremonies date back at least 1,000 years and traditionally occur when the final beam is placed on a structure.

Horgan’s Quay is a major six-acre brownfield urban regeneration scheme located on a former CIÉ site, adjacent to Kent railway station, on the River Lee next to the Port of Cork.

It is within easy walking distance to Patrick Street, MacCurtain Street, and the quays.

The mixed-use scheme comprises permission for a new scheme of offices, 302 homes, a hotel, leisure facilities, shops, restaurants, and ancillary public realm developments.

Mr Browne said he was “determined” to unlock the delivery of developments such as Horgan’s Quay at pace and at scale across the country.

“I am thrilled to be here in Cork to mark the significant progress made by the Land Development Agency in Cork City at Horgan’s Quay,” he said.

“We are in a housing crisis, and I am pulling every lever available and cutting through unnecessary red tape to get things moving far faster — so that we can deliver homes for people and their families to grow up and grow old in.”

Speaking before the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the development would deliver more than 300 affordable homes in the heart of the city.

“This Government’s top priority, and mine, is to get quality homes built faster for people who need them,” he said.

“The Land Development Agency is the State’s affordable housing delivery body.

“It has been seriously ramping up in the last year in particular, and I want to see further progress.”

John Coleman, chief executive of the Land Development Agency (LDA), said the agency was delighted to be working with developers HQ Developments, which is owned by Clarendon Properties and BAM, and former site owners CIÉ, to deliver the project.

'EXCITING'

“This is an exciting development for the LDA, and it is wonderful to see such great progress being made to deliver these high-quality, A-rated apartments,” Mr Coleman said.

“This is an important milestone for the LDA’s targeted delivery in Cork city, which also includes Marina Depot, St Kevin’s in Shanakiel, and Anglesea Terrace.”

Cork City Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan said the transformation of Cork’s Docklands was pivotal to the city’s evolution, and had the capacity to deliver homes for around 22,500 people at a riverside location, while offering close access to public transport.

“It is exciting to see the progress at Horgan’s Quay, as a result of Government investment and the brilliant team at Cork City Council,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

CIE interim chief executive officer Fiona O’Shea said the project would continue the revitalisation of the Cork Docklands “into the bustling hive of activity it once was”, but adapted for the needs of today’s Ireland.

“The location next to Kent Station and within walking distance to the city centre will be very attractive for people who want to live and work in Cork,” she said.

“The development delivers much-needed affordable housing and, as an example of transit-oriented development, provides a template for similar schemes in the future.”

Part of the Horgan’s Quay development has seen heritage buildings such as the goods shed and the carriage shed restored and adapted to house offices, retail, and hospitality units.

The development is part of the Cork Docklands regeneration project, which looks set to transform the riverside area.

Upon completion, the Docklands project will deliver new homes for approximately 22,500 residents as well as a range of amenities, leisure facilities, and office space.