Three proposals are shortlisted for Cork events centre project
In 2016, then taoiseach Enda Kenny turned the sod on the development, which at the time was on track to host concerts and conferences by 2018. Picture: Denis Minihane.
- Developer Tom Coughlan’s proposal of a 4,000 to 5,000-seat venue alongside his Marina Market food hall in the Cork Docklands. His proposal is backed by Australian asset management and banking giant Macquarie and live entertainment firm AEG;
- Bam’s long-term proposal to develop an arena on the city’s South Main St, with the support of concert giant Live Nation;
Cork GAA’s plans for an 11,000-capacity venue on the 4G pitch at Páirc Uí Chaoimh as part of a partnership with Canadian real estate firm the Shenkman Group.
The €150m centre is seen as a key requirement for Cork to attract major concerts, events, conferences, and attractions.
The Echo understands all three proposals have passed an initial questionnaire phase ahead of the issuing of formal tender documents expected before the end of the year.
The value of the contract for the construction element of the Cork Events Centre will be in the region of €150m to €200m.
The purpose of the questionnarie was to identify suitably-qualified and experienced consortia with the capability to build, partially fund, and operate a project of this scale and complexity.
International consultants Aecom, who have been involved in similar events centre projects in the UK, are overseeing the bidding process on behalf of Cork City Council.
The Government has approved a detailed business case for the centre, which has been described as a vital infrastructural project to help safeguard the future of the city centre, but it has been hampered by setbacks and controversy.
First approved
It is expected the successful tenderer will have to provide at least 50% of the capital funding for the events centre, while operation, maintenance, and lifecycle costs will continue to be met entirely by the successful tenderer.
In terms of the site location, Cork City Council specified that prospective tenderers will need to ensure proximity to Cork city centre and have strong connectivity to existing public transport networks.
“The availability of essential infrastructure such as utilities, road access, parking, and digital connectivity will be considered,” it said.
The events centre was first approved in 2014 when a tender for €20m of State aid was awarded to Bam Property and Live Nation. In 2016, then taoiseach Enda Kenny turned the sod on the development, which at the time was on track to host concerts and conferences by 2018. However, that version of the project did not proceed, due to design change requirements and delays.
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