BAM lodge new plans for Sullivan’s Quay site
Kevin O'Neill
DEVELOPER BAM has lodged revised plans for a hotel and office block on Sullivan’s Quay.
If approved, the development would see the former government buildings demolished and replaced by a 193-bed hotel and a six-storey office development.
The developer, who are also behind the event centre project on South Main Street, was previously granted permission for the major hotel and office development in 2008.
However, economic issues and the slowdown in the construction industry put the brakes on the project.
If approved, the new development will see the demolition of the government buildings.
Two replacement buildings will be built on the site, including a hotel which will range in height from six to 12 storeys, including a cylindrical tower on the corner of Sullivan’s Quay and Meade Street.
The hotel will include a bar, restaurant and retail area, as well as basement car parking.
It would be a welcome boost for the city’s struggling hotel sector, with interest groups like the Cork Convention Bureau long advocating more city centre beds.
The wider city area, including Ballincollig and Rochestown, has just 3,000 beds, with the county boasting 10,000. In comparison, Killarney is estimated to have 15-16,000.
In addition, a six-storey office development is planned for the rest of the site, with an entrance on Sullivan’s Quay.
The former government buildings most recently housed a number of artistic groups.
Many of these were told to vacate the premises by the end of 2016, though some continue to operate on the site with the permission of BAM.
This includes approximately 100 CIT students who are hoping to relocate to 46 Grand Parade, which is currently undergoing a €1m revamp ahead of the 2017/18 academic year.
Also among the former tenants are Sample Studios, a collective of more than 80 artists, which relocated to Churchfield earlier this year.
Local councillor Mick Finn welcomed the submission of new plans for the Sullivan’s Quay site. He said the entire quays could benefit from the work.
“It is a big building with a lot of potential so any development would be very welcome. That area of the city has been largely underutilised for a long time.”
Nearby streets, including Meade Street and Cove Street have seen anti-social behaviour in recent years, he added.
“There are some issues, including reports of anti-social behaviour and drinking in the area. These kinds of developments tend to lift entire areas.”