19 Aug 2024
Over 200 new homes proposed for Cork Docklands
Cork City Council is proposing a partnership with JCD Group to deliver over 200 new homes for Cork on Albert Quay.
Plans for a 24-storey tower scheme with over 200 new homes for Cork in Cork city centre have been unveiled. The development is expected to “unleash the potential” of the City Docklands.
Picture: Cork City Council/JCD
“The Railyard Apartments” will deliver over 200 much-needed new homes at the heart of the city Docklands. These will consist of a mix of studios, 1,2 and 3 bedroom units.
The proposed development envisions a 24-story tower, built to a high architectural standard, on Albert Quay/Albert Street. Additionally, the structure would step down to 12 storeys and then 9 storeys.
Minor modifications were made to the original planning permission granted to comply with updated fire safety and apartment standards. Moreover, it is proposed to omit the basement car park, given the site’s good proximity to public transport networks.
Additionally, JCD Group will carry out the already permitted renovation and upgrade works to the listed buildings located to the rear of the site. This development is to be completed in parallel with the proposed apartments. This will consist of a new bar/restaurant, a new publicly accessible plaza and the refurbishment of the former Carey House building.
Construction is expected to start in Q1 2025 subject to planning permission.
The proposal includes an area on the ground floor which will be dedicated to exclusive use by both the local community and the arts.
“The Railyard Apartments development, is a project which will facilitate Cork City Docklands to continue to take a leading role in our City’s future as it has done in the past, delivering a vibrant place to live and work, and taking a dynamic approach to reimagining a historic site and location. This re-imagination will include the delivery of a proposed community/arts space at ground floor level which will promote the continued civic and cultural growth of the city centre.”
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle
The Railyard Apartments development is a collaboration between Cork City Council and JCD Group and arises from Cork City Council’s Competitive Dialogue procurement process which seeks to deliver innovative solutions to social and affordable housing delivery in the city. Cork City Council proposes to partner with an approved housing body for the ultimate delivery of this mixed tenure scheme.
The proposed mixed tenure cost-rental and social housing development will include rightsizing homes for older persons. It is progressing through the Part 8 Planning process which includes a public consultation process. The proposed development will go before the elected members of Cork City Council for approval later this autumn.
“This highly sustainable project, at the gateway to the Docklands, demonstrates Cork City Council’s commitment to the delivery of affordable accommodation in highly accessible locations close to the city centre. This new proposal for a mixed tenure scheme of 217 new homes will be the catalyst to further unleash the potential of the Docklands area as a place to work, live and socialise in the very heart of Cork City and also demonstrates Cork City Council’s commitment to prioritising brownfield development in the delivery of mixed tenure schemes in the urban area.”
Brian Geaney, Deputy Chief Executive, Cork City Council
Cork Docklands Development
Guided by the Cork City Development Plan, the Docklands development is already underway. Fuelled by €353.4 million from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and over €500 million in private sector investment.
This project promises to deliver 10,000 new homes and create 25,000 jobs, potentially accommodating up to 20% of the city’s projected population growth. The development will include six new schools, 5,000 meters of waterfront, and 10 hectares of quayside amenity space.
More than 25 percent of the area will feature parks, open spaces, sport and community facilities. Ireland’s largest and most ambitious regeneration project is ready to transform an underutilized part of the city into a prime location for living and working.
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