Bell’s Field potential is ‘untapped’
Bell’s Field is worthy of redevelopment but won’t be considered until Bishop Lucey Park’s revamp is completed, City Hall officials said this week.
Bell’s Field, the open space at the top of Patrick’s Hill, has been plagued with littering and flytipping over the past year. Various proposals have been suggested over the years, like a plaza, biodiversity garden and remembrance garden, but no plans were advanced due to what Cork City Council said were more pressing demands on council finances to develop community parks throughout the city.
During a recent North East Area Committee meeting, Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran asked what options there are to redevelop the 1.5 acre area, specifically asking if there was scope for a coffee shop, improved seating and amenities, as well as a viewing platform with binoculars.
David Joyce, Director of Services, Roads and Environment Operations Directorate, said: “Bell’s Field is worthy of redevelopment given its prominent location and its value to local residents and as a visitor destination for tourists. On completion of the Bishop Lucey Park redevelopment, Bell’s Field will be considered for redevelopment in the context of available council finances and the availability of other sources of funding.”
Speaking with the Cork Independent after the meeting, Cllr Moran said: “Bell's Field is the iconic view of Cork. It's where everyone goes to get the quintessential Cork panorama.
“It has history and character oozing out of it. And it's just ten minutes from Patrick's Street and the soon to be re-imagined MacCurtiain Street too. For whatever reason, its potential for both residents and tourists is virtually untapped. The report that it's high on the city's agenda after Bishop Lucey Park is really welcomed.”
He continued: “One thing people I've spoken to don't want is for it to be overdeveloped. One of its attractions is its sense of timelessness. Even at the meeting of the Local Area Committee where we discussed this, the Lord Mayor remarked how in his office there is a painting of Bell's Field seemingly unchanged for centuries. The city and suburbs have grown beneath it and you get to see and soak up all of that history. If we can capture that essence without losing any of it, that's the goal.
“The wider site takes in the original Lady's Well too, which gives its name to the brewery. It's one of the few historic holy wells in the city. Unfortunately, the whole area is now attracting litter. For local residents that's a reason to move on this too, especially now when we're depending more on our local parks during Covid-19,” he concluded.