PICS: Albert Quay is getting a makeover. Here’s what it will look like in 2020
Cork’s docklands could soon become the coolest part of the city to hang out in.
While the planned developments have led to the closure of one of our favourite pubs (The Sextant closed its doors for good last weekend), there are some exciting times ahead, with a blueprint for a cyclist and pedestrian-friendly new road network unveiled in City Hall this week.
It’s all part of the new Docklands to City Centre Road Network Improvement Scheme, a €6.5m plan to revitalise Victoria Road, Albert Quay and Albert Road and create a brand new district for business and leisure in the City Centre.
A new boardwalk will be built in the stretch of waterfront between the Sextant and The Idle Hour. A restaurant or coffee shop will open here, with views onto a new floating pontoon for boats.
If you commute via the Docklands you can expect your journey to be made a little easier. Protected cycle lanes, wider footpaths and new bus lanes will be installed as part of the plans.
It should be a more pleasant stroll too, with new trees and planting forming part of the proposals.
The planning application for the works, funded under the Project Ireland 2040, is due to be published in March. Construction could begin as early as autumn 2019.
Meanwhile, across the river, The Dean, a 114 bedroom hotel complete with restaurant and rooftop bar, is slated for completion on Horgan’s Quay near the railway station in 2020.
The development will include a riverside pedestrianised area stretching 63 metres to the lower harbour.
