Cork’s historic medieval quarter is about to be transformed. 

With construction set to begin in 2022, Cork City Council has released details of the first phase of the €46.05 million Grand Parade Quarter project, which will vastly improve some of the city’s most popular streets.

The project will see a complete renewal of the area around the southern gateway to the medieval city, connecting the Grand Parade, a series of historic lanes, and Bishop Lucey Park with the south channel of the River Lee and the city centre business core.

Funded through the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) established under the Government’s Ireland 2040 programme and from Cork City Council’s own resources, the main elements of the project include:

THE COUNTING HOUSE: South Main Street will be transformed through the creation of a large-scale public space opening up the historic Counting House on the Beamish and Crawford site and creating new walking and cycling opportunities around the area.

Street trees will line the footpaths and roadways with low-level planting beds and a variety of planters bringing colour and vibrancy to the area.

NEW PARK: Bishop Lucey Park is to be completely renewed based on an award-winning architectural design that “opens up the park to the wider city centre, re-imagines space within it, has many biodiversity gains and protects and highlights the city’s medieval wall”.

STATE-OF-THE-ART LIBRARY: A new €50m public library and plaza on the Grand Parade. Expected to attract one million visitors per year, the building will feature a 1,600 square metre Sanctuary Garden on the rooftop, accessible to all through library membership.

‘Game-changing’

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Colm Kelleher described the project as “striking and game-changing” for the city.

“The Grand Parade Project will create a wonderfully attractive environment providing accessible and inviting spaces and streets for residents and visitors alike. It will attract more people to this historic part of the city centre and be a great fillip to business.”

The City’s Chief Executive, Ann Doherty said the challenges of the pandemic have led to a greater receptiveness to change in Cork.

“The gains are very obvious – the permanent pedestrianisation of 17 city centre streets, the facilitation of outdoor dining and a “greening” of the city centre on a scale never previously seen.” Doherty said.

“In many respects, Cork city is an exemplar for positive change at this time and this project builds on that momentum. Looking forward, the 6,000 seat Event Centre to be developed on the Beamish and Crawford site will be greatly enhanced by the significant renewal all around the area.” the Chief Executive added.

Proposals for Bishop Lucey Park and the Beamish and Crawford/South Main Street and surrounding area are the subject of two separate Part 8 Planning applications to be published on Thursday, which then go to public consultation.

Tendering and contractor appointments are scheduled to occur in the first quarter of 2021.