18 December 2015, 10.30am
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
The decision of an Bord Pleanála to grant approval for the €50 million redevelopment of the former Capital Cinema on Grand Parade has been warmly welcomed by Lord Mayor, Cllr Chris O’ Leary.
‘The development will be a major catalyst for the City Centre and has the capacity to hugely increase footfall at the Grand Parade end of the city centre. It is a high end development and will add to the very positive momentum here’ said Cllr O’ Leary.
The development, by John Cleary Developments, includes 36,000 sq ft of next generation office space and high quality retail space and will complement and enhance the famous English Market. Construction on the site is expected to provide 200 jobs and up to 350 people will be employed in the office space alone.
Ann Doherty, Chief Executive of Cork City Council said ‘This is a key strategic site and will greatly add to the retail, office and food offering in the city centre. Its redevelopment represents a strong sign of the resurgent confidence of investors in Cork city and is a key component of the City Council’s City Centre Strategy.’
This announcement is one of a number of positive developments in recent weeks for the city centre. These include the success of Oliver Plunkett Street in the Great Street Awards and the Purple Flag accreditation for the city centre for excellence in the management of the evening and night-time economy.
