Public to have its say on Docklands future
Public consultation is now open for a variation to Cork’s City 2022-2028 Development Plan that will allow for the further development of Cork’s docklands.
The proposed variation is required to accommodate the Cork Docklands Framework Plan’s infrastructure delivery which is key to developing sustainable and resilient communities on the 147 hectare (360 acre) riverside site.
Cork City Council is now inviting the public to have its say on the proposed variation throughout the public consultation period which began on 30 April and will remain open until 28 May at 5pm.
As part of the consultation process, there will be two open days across Cork city where the public can view the draft documents and speak to the project team. The first open day takes place on 7 May from 12-8pm at the Clayton Hotel on Lapps Quay. The second open day will be at Cork City Hall on 24 May from 12-8pm.
The project team will also be present on 24 May at the European Maritime Days to Play event on Albert and Kennedy Quays.
The Cork Docklands Framework Plan, which will form a new volume of the Cork City Development Plan (CDP) if adopted, sets out the expansive public realm, waterside amenity and travel, sports, and community infrastructure needed to unlock the development capacity of the Docklands.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle said: “There have been many plans and conversations over the years regarding the regeneration of Cork Docklands and it is exciting to be at a point where the delivery is becoming reality. With the newly upgraded Marina Promenade and the final phase of Marina Park moving towards completion, the required public infrastructure is visibly developing, and this plan can deliver an equally exciting world class urban living district.”
The planned strategic infrastructure will further enable the construction of up to 10,000 new homes in a compact urban environment while providing public realm and community infrastructure. It also contains clear guidance and design principles which will enable landowners and developers to deliver high quality schemes.
The new housing schemes will respect the historical and natural features of the unique and nationally important location.
Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said the regeneration of Cork Docklands will be “transformational for the city”.
“With 6,000 people employed and 640 new homes under construction, it is already happening,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
She added: “The Framework Plan is about implementation and the actual delivery of key enabling infrastructure that will further unlock the Docklands opportunity for Cork and for Ireland. We invite the public to make their views heard and engage with us as we progress delivery of Cork Docklands, the biggest regeneration project in the State.”
Submissions or observations can be made either online at corkcitydevelopmentplan.ie or at consult.corkcity.ie, or via email to citydevplan@corkcity.ie.
Submissions can also be sent via post to Variation No. 2 Submissions, Strategic Planning and Heritage, Planning and Integrated Development Directorate, Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork.