Green light for €350m docklands development

Planning permission has been granted for a “transformative” redevelopment project in Cork city’s South Docks.

Last November O'Callaghan Properties announced the submission of 2 separate planning applications to Cork City Council for a €350m project that would include the re-purposing of the derelict Odlums Mills.

Cork City Council has now given the green light to plans with O'Callaghan Properties eager to finalise details in order to begin working on site as quickly as possible.

Brian O’Callaghan, Managing Director at O’Callaghan Properties, said the council’s decision is a positive confirmation of the project’s potential to create a major driver of economic activity and employment in Cork city centre and a cultural and tourist landmark for years to come.

He said: “The project will be a key enabler to achieve the objectives set out in key national and local strategic policies such as Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan and the current and proposed City Development Plan.”

Also welcoming the news was Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy who commended O’Callaghan Properties on its ambition and vision in delivering the project.

Mr Healy said: “The South Docks pose the opportunity to contribute to a diverse and vibrant residential and business community. As the project comes to fruition, it is essential that place-making remains central to development to boost Cork’s attractiveness for its citizens, investment, talent and tourism.”

The plans cover a 1 million square foot of development on a 3.42 acre site running from Marina Walk onto the River Lee at Kennedy Quay and a boundary marked by Victoria Road and Mill Road to the east.

The restoration and re-purposing of the derelict Odlums Mills to create two 7 and 9 storey buildings incorporating 84 one, two and three bed apartments, cinema, food hall, office space and a new 360-degree landmark rooftop destination in the city.

The project also includes a 122,000 square-foot 130 bed rehabilitation hospital which will be the only such facility in Ireland outside of Dublin.

It is understood that the project has the potential to create up to 5,000 new jobs once completed.

O’Callaghan Properties has also confirmed that is preparing to submit a further planning application for the development of 1,300 apartments on the adjoining Gouldings site in South Docks, under the Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) process. Plans for this development will be available for inspection later this year.