The revitalisation of Cork’s leafy South Mall continues apace.

Plans have been lodged to turn the handsome former National Irish Bank building into a 58-bedroom hotel with a rooftop terrace and a street-facing café and bar.

According to a report by Tommy Barker in today’s Irish Examiner, the multi-million euro boutique development would see the limestone building at No. 71 South Mall completely refurbished by 2021, provided the planning application is given the green light.

A Victorian banking hall, the property dates from around 1880.

Image: Corkpastandpresent.ie

Cork’s own Scott Tallon Walker are the architects on the project, which is led by South Mall Hospitality Ltd, headed by directors Ray Byrne, the hotelier behind Athlone’s famous Wineport Lodge, and Eoin Doyle.

All going to plan, the new hotel will join the grand old Imperial Hotel and the new 163-bed Maldron Hotel South Mall on one of Cork’s grandest streets.