Cork Views: Pana is in need of a facelift... here’s how to do it

The iconic Con Murphy’s Menswear has closed and been replaced with yet another phone shop. That means there are four phone shops and a vape shop in the lower section of Patrick Street, with a new discount shop opening in another prime location across the street.

The length of Pana is cluttered with phone shops, nail bars, vape and discount stores, and takeaways, while cafés are not allowed. Is that enough to lure shoppers in?

Brown Thomas thankfully remains, and Waterstones at the far end of the street. One or two ladies’ boutiques and menswear stores. Tourist shops. But so many stores have gone. Roche’s Stores, Debenhams, Con Murphy’s Menswear, Oasis, Porter’s newsagent… the Savoy Theatre and Cinema is long gone.

In December, Cork City Council announced a new €200,000 fund to help revitalise Patrick Street and strengthen its appeal. The grant will provide up to €10,000 to property owners on the street to help them enhance the frontages, to create a more attractive, welcoming city centre and to boost economic vibrancy.

This initiative is welcome, but does not address the main problem. What is missing is vibrancy and soul. For me, the street is one where I clutch my bag tightly, keep my head down, and walk quickly to my destination.

The City Council initiative is targeted to meet the needs of residents. But how many people actually live on Patrick Street?

Early records show significant numbers of people above shop. But as the street is now a commercial hub, official resident counts for it are not typically published.

What are the elements that distinguish a main street from soulless and uninviting to being filled with character and charm?

Here are some of the key ones that can allow city centre main streets to thrive...

Main streets are for walking, browsing and lingering, while they should also be efficient

For those seeking a pharmacy, boutique or café, they have to be highly walkable to succeed. This means ample pedestrian space, and convenient well-lit crossings, with vehicle traffic at a calm speed.

Motor vehicle traffic is a key element of a successful street. Although there is a window between 3pm and 6.30pm when private motorists are asked not to travel on Patrick Street, this is of limited effectiveness. The street clogged with cars makes crossing it a hazard, and a disincentive to travelling along it.

Retail density

The ex-Debenhams store has been closed since 2020 with recent permission granted for plans that will split the building into multiple different units to facilitate different retailers occupying the store. The proposed development is overdue – building occupancy is a vital element to vibrancy of the city centre.

This city street should be stuffed with viable local businesses. This is tricky as there are so many forces stacked against local businesses surviving, particularly post-pandemic.

Yet, a main street with only chain stores and no local shops won’t feel authentic to both citizens and tourists looking for a unique experience. Some chain stores are fine but not every shop on the street.

The best main streets are attractive to both locals and tourists

This means restaurants, cafés, and cultural centres like art galleries and museums. High end gift shops, offering Irish knitwear, art and crafts would be a boon to the streetscape.

In a shopping district, a little bit of nature can go a long way

Many city centre hubs have almost no greenery downtown. But look closely and you will see window boxes, hanging baskets of flowers, and trees here and there – offering both shade and vibrancy.

I think it makes a huge difference to a main street if there is evidence of a local community living over the street - including apartments on the upper floors above the commercial shopfronts. Enough residents nearby will provide a steady clientele to the businesses.

While main streets vary, there is one constant.

A successful one in a sustainable, walkable town or city is a place where people want to get out of their cars and explore. There are many factors that contribute to that including things to do – like shopping or going to a concert; and interesting sites to look at. That includes people – we all love to people-watch.

The street must have a level of physical comfort. As we walk along, we like to feel safe and secure. Beauty is also important to making a place where we want to be.

An Australian study by Shopology (2023) asked shoppers about the key elements, shops and services they regarding as contributing to the ideal main street. Researchers reported the five types of stores or services that are disappearing from main streets – the pharmacy, post office, bank, department store and newsagent are in the top ten (out of 45 choices in the survey). All once main street staples on Patrick Street – almost all now long gone.

Other key elements that participants ranked highly in a main street included hygiene, safety and security, and parking.

Think of beautiful main streets in Europe that you would seek out on a visit to stroll along, enjoy the ambience, stop to browse, shop and have a coffee, lunch or dinner.

The main streets of Paris and Rome are well known but others are even more enticing.

Given that its three miles long, it is no surprise that the Ringstrasse in Vienna contains many of Austria’s most notable landmarks, including the Vienna State Opera, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Austria is also home to the little-known Vollpension café. The idea behind this is that it is run predominantly by people over 60, otherwise retired, who work and bake in the café. The café is likened to your granny’s living room where older people gather, drink coffee and eat their favourite cakes. But they can also work as waitresses, cooks and bakers – making the recipes they grew up with.

A Vollpension on Patrick Street would be a unique experience for residents, shoppers and the older generation in the city to mingle.

In Barcelona, forget La Rambla and head to Carrer de Verdi, a street with an independent spirit. Filled with funky bars and boutiques, it has what Patrick Street lacks – soul. Upcycling workshops, artisan confectioners, vintage furniture, and street entertainment – who wouldn’t love to spend an afternoon here?

Gran Vía is possibly Madrid’s most famous avenue, with unique boutiques and bars, and striking architecture.

A great main street has to be safe, walkable, interesting, offering lots of variety and beautiful – filling the senses. Full of things to see, hear, touch, smell, taste and feel.

I can’t express it any better than that.