New tower for city

The old Port of Cork site is set for redevelopment as planning permission has been granted, the developers confirmed yesterday.

Tower Holdings Group welcomed the granting of planning permission by Cork City Council on Custom House Quay which has paved the way for a hotel, retail offerings and a substantial maritime culture and heritage attraction.

A spokesperson for Tower Holdings Group said: “We are delighted with this decision from Cork City Council and look forward to the final grant. We assembled one of the best design teams in the world to produce an outstanding design of exceptional quality for this iconic site and the city of Cork.

“We have to now fully examine all the planning conditions and certain points of detail to establish their effect on the scheme. Brighter times lie ahead for Cork, and this development will lie at the very heart of them.”

The hotel will include a spa, swimming pool and gym facilities. The new tower will incorporate and restore the historic Custom House and will feature a sky-bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Cork city. The bonded warehouses on the site will be given a new lease of life and opened to public access for the first time.

The design includes an interactive visitors centre, representing Cork’s maritime heritage as a port.Niamh Áine Ryan

naryan@corkindependent.com