201 apartments set for Docklands
Planning has been lodged for a large scale 25 storey apartment block on the site of the former Sextant bar and Carey’s Tool Hire site, it was confirmed this morning.
JCD Group has formally lodged its planning application with An Bord Pleanála to construct, what it says is, a large-scale residential build to rent scheme in Cork’s Docklands in response to the severe shortage of quality rental accommodation in the city.
The company purchased the site earlier this year and a decision is expected within the next 16 weeks.
The development comprises three distinct parts: the restored Railway House and terminus buildings leading onto a large public plaza; the two lower residential blocks that step up from 9 to 12 storeys and the landmark tower section, which is proposed to be 25 storeys.
The project would, JCD has said, sustain 200 construction jobs and deliver 201 apartments into a market desperately in need of quality residential accommodation.
John Cleary CEO of JCD Group said: “We are very excited to be progressing this proposed large-scale residential scheme on this key site. It's been almost 12 years since the last new city centre apartment scheme of scale was completed in the city and given the current momentum in the office sector, the availability of apartments such as those proposed is an essential ingredient to the ongoing development and growth of the city centre. We really believe that Cork has an opportunity to undergo a real transformation into a modern European city, where people are encouraged to work, live, socialise and shop in the city centre.”
The site itself extends from Albert Road along Albert Street, fronting Albert Quay and includes the former Sextant Bar, as well as the former terminus for the Cork-Blackrock and Passage Railway. The proposed scheme will comprise of 93 one-bedroom, 104 two-bedroom and four three-bedroom apartments.
Part of the proposed scheme will include the relocation of the bar and restaurant use from the former Sextant premises to the protected ticketing office and railway terminus building located on Albert Street, the creation of an internal public plaza and the refurbishment of the station offices for office use.
There will be significant investment, JCD has promised, in these protected and historic structures to restore them to their former prominence.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said: "I am very pleased to see planning permission lodged for this very significant apartment development for Cork city. The plans by JCD to construct a large-scale residential build to rent scheme in Cork’s docklands will be a very significant development for the city.”
Meanwhile, JCD is currently on site at Penrose Dock with 250,000 square feet of office space, which is being delivered in one phase and due to be completed next summer.