CUSTOM HOUSE DEVELOPMENT IN CORK GETS GREEN LIGHT
Tower Holdings Group has welcomed the granting of planning permission by Cork City Council for the proposed mixed-use development at the old Port of Cork site on Custom House Quay. The scheme is set to become an iconic landmark in the heart of the city and will include a hotel, retail offering and a substantial maritime culture and heritage attraction. Today’s announcement will further develop Cork city centre’s potential for growth in a post Covid-19 era.
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.
The design was led by Gensler (London office), the multi award winning global architectural practice and one of the world’s leading tall building and hospitality design firms, working in conjunction with Henry J Lyons as local architects. Engineering design is by Arup, one of the world’s top engineering firms, with public realm design by Aecom, along with fifteen other consultants and subconsultants, all of whom worked tirelessly over the last two years to produce this magnificent design. We engaged closely with Cork City Council throughout the design process to ensure we satisfied all their requirements, particularly in relation to the conservation and integration approach towards the existing historical buildings.
“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.”
CUSTOM HOUSE
The new hotel accommodation will offer five-star luxury including 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 where visitors can enjoy locally produced cuisine while taking in panoramic view 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 rich maritime heritage as a port. Other elements to the development include retail, food and beverage outlets and a new micro-distillery at the eastern end of the site.
Denise Maguire Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine