It’s the first step in a major overhaul.

Bishop Lucey Park will close to the public for two weeks on Tuesday, February 7th, in order to facilitate advance works on its redevelopment.

The new park will be a key element of the regeneration of the Grand Parade Quarter and will be completely revamped based on an award-winning architectural design that opens up the park to the wider city centre.

The work will create improved access to the historic city wall; create a new pavilion and plaza for events, improve access and seating and see a new tower installed to mark the eastern entrance.

“The advance works will include the removal of a limited number of trees and pruning of others to offer more sunlight to people enjoying the park and to support the works.” a Council spokesperson said.

A competition for the redevelopment of the Park run by the Royal Institute of Architects in conjunction with Cork City Council in 2020 saw Belfast-based Hall McKnight Architects come out tops.

“The redevelopment of Bishop Lucey Park is a key part of Cork City Council’s City Centre Strategy and integral to improving the quality of amenities in a city that is projected to grow to 300,000 in the next 20 years with an increasing number of young families expected to live in the city centre.” added the spokesperson.