OPW seeks engineer to oversee works as Cork's Crawford Art Gallery redevelopment progresses 

As works progress on the €93m redevelopment of Cork’s Crawford Art Gallery, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is now seeking to appoint an engineer to oversee mechanical and electrical works as part of the project.

Construction as part of the redevelopment began on the site of the historical structure on January 12, with Crawford Art Gallery director Mary McCarthy saying last month that it is expected to reopen to visitors in late 2028.

The successful applicant, who will deliver works over a 92-week period, will provide a resident engineer to monitor the installation of services and lifts, report on progress, attend meetings and workshops as required, and deal with issues as they arise throughout the duration of the contract.

The engineer is expected to start working in November and will remain involved through construction and handover stages.

The OPW said the person appointed should have at least seven years’ experience in either design or construction on building and mechanical and electrical engineering projects, with at least five years of demonstrable construction-based supervision.

This latest tender comes as works continue to progress on-site, seeing the construction of a new seven-storey extension and restoration of the 18th-century structure. 

Once completed, the enlarged gallery will provide an additional 1,600sqm to the total area of the building, bringing it to approximately 5,500sqm.

The project aims to provide improved navigation for visitors, as well as enhanced public areas, additional galleries, purpose-built art storage, education and outreach areas, café and retail spaces, and a reconfigured reception and foyer fronting on to Emmet Place.

It also includes public realm works at Emmet Place and a new Electricity Supply Board (ESB) substation.

According to the tender documents, construction of the project is expected to finish in April 2028, with a handover period expected to commence shortly for at least another six months.

The gallery’s collection of works will then return to the venue prior to its reopening, along with staff and volunteers. 

Tender applications will be accepted until 6pm on October 2.