It will be a brand new focal point.

Cork City Council and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) have revealed the winning architectural design for the redevelopment of Bishop Lucey Park… and it’s a city space fit for a city rising.

The winning entry is by Belfast firm Hall McKnight Architects, who created a brand new look for the area, complete with a viewing tower, a pavilion and a bridge spanning across the Medieval Wall from the park to the Grand Parade.

The design would see some of the park’s surrounding walls removed, opening up the space on both sides.

“Our proposal recognises that Bishop Lucey Park is not simply one singular experience; rather, it can be considered as a series of connected environments or episodes.” the firm said in a statement.

“These are distinct in terms of character and atmosphere, responding to changes in context around edges of the park.”

The design is based around a plinth, from which four distinct structures emerge, differentiating each entrance to the park. A small tower overlooks the square to the west and relates to Christchurch; a portal provides a doorway from Tuckey Street; and to the east, a raised slab (with planted roof) is set on two columns.

Something for everyone

“The winning entry is an inclusive design with something to offer all ages, and it opens up the park to the city, creating a central “soft space”, with a wildflower meadow, right in the city centre while still being sensitive to the medieval history of the site, emphasising the existing city walls within the site itself.” said Tony Duggan, City Architect, Cork City Council.

“It is particularly impressive how cleverly this design integrates the heritage of the city within a modern scheme.”

While a date for the redevelopment of Bishop Lucey Park has yet to be finalised, the project 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.