Council launches Blackpool Village redevelopment strategy
Cork City Council has officially launched its strategy for the redevelopment of Blackpool's village core.
The project will focus on the "historic core" of Blackpool Village, centred on the Blackpool Architectural Conservation Area. This area extends from Great William O'Brien Street across the N20 corridor to the Graffiti Theatre and the surrounding streets.
At its centre is the Church of the Annunciation and the former village marketplace.
The strategy contains four main goals. These are the redevelopment of the village square, Berwick Lane, and the Blackpool Gateway, as well as measures to encourage the removal of dereliction in the area.
The plan was designed following engagement with local residents, businesses, community organisations, service providers, departments of Cork City Council, councillors, and relevant state agencies.
The plan also highlights challenges which the Blackpool area faces, including changing economic patterns which have led to the area having an above average level of unemployment, vacancy and dereliction, and underutilised brown and greenfield sites.
General strategy
The overarching plans for the area include development of better transport links in the area, as well as improving the landscaping of the village.
A key focus is improving east-west connectivity across the N20 which bisects the village, linking areas like Great William O'Brien Street and Berwick Lane with community spaces such as the Graffiti Theatre.
The strategy also plans for Berwick Lane to be pedestrianised to offer safe play and community zones around Cork Community Art Link.
It is planned that accessibility ramps will also be added on Assumption Road, as well as steps up to the N20 as part of an improved crossing of the artery to reduce division of the village.
The report also found that just 9% of Blackpool Village consists of green space, and only 1% of this is publicly accessible. The plan therefore intends to develop a greener area in Blackpool, using new trees, pollinator-friendly planting, rain gardens, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
Village Square
The village square surrounding the Church of the Assumption is intended to act as the centre of the proposed newly-renovated village.
To the east of the church on Watercourse Road, the plan is proposing to develop a new civic space incorporating planters on the square itself, and SuDS which will include tree planting where possible.
The area to the south of the church will also be upgraded incorporating SuDS.
This area was identified as being at increased risk of flooding.
There will also be façade improvements and restoration of the original colour scheme of the church building itself, as well as improved traffic calming measures, and consolidation of the public space on Great William O'Brien Street.
Berwick Lane
The strategy calls for the pedestrianisation of Berwick Lane as part of an upgrade to the public realm of the area. This will include the outside space around Cork Community Art Link, which will be provided with an additional entrance.
It will also feature a new small park and community café.
Blackpool Gateway
Improving access to the village from the city centre forms a key part of the strategy.
This includes steps and accessibility ramps along Assumption Road and an improved crossing of the N20 to the Graffiti Theatre and the Glen.
It also looks to create a redeveloped public surface on Corkoran's Quay incorporating landscaping and SuDS.
Activation measures
The final part of the plan seeks to develop a "one-stop shop" in Blackpool to support the "reuse, refurbishment, and reoccupation of derelict properties".
This will be delivered through quarterly advice clinics, which will provide information on funding programmes, technical advice, and an accessible point of engagement for property owners.
This will include input from across Cork City Council, including planning, architectural conservation, fire safety, building control, and grant funding administration.
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.