20 January 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork City Council is to receive €5 million under the EU’s Sustainable Urban Development Priority of the Regional Operational Programmes.
This capital grant assistance is to help fund two projects:
- €3.5 million towards the redevelopment of Monahan Road, including the creation of a new contemporary Marina Park
- €1.5 million for a dedicated cycle and pedestrian bridge across the North Channel of the River Lee.
Marina Park will extend from Shandon Boat Club to Blackrock Harbour with an approximate area of 32ha, including The Marina, former Showground lands, Atlantic Pond, and existing semi natural areas nearby.
The redeveloped Pairc Ui Caoimh stadium will be incorporated into the park. The new park will provide a wide range of options for recreation, with a particular emphasis on water based activities, play and a range of event spaces. Last year the Marina Pontoon was constructed, replacing a 19th century slipway which posed a huge health and safety risk.
The new pontoon is a great amenity for both rowing enthusiasts and passive users along the Marina and River Lee and forms an important first phase of the overall Marina Park development. Monahan Road, which will link the city centre to Marina Park, will be upgraded to provide a cycle lane, tree planting and lighting
The creation of Marina Park is central to the redevelopment of the South Docks Area, forming the main open space in a mixed use area with a target population of 20,000 residents and 25,000 jobs.
The second project is a dedicated cycle and pedestrian bridge across the River Lee linking Merchants Quay to Harley Street, as part of the City Centre Movement Strategy which aims to improve facilities for sustainable transport modes in Cork.
The bridge will encourage commuters to cycle or walk, and provide a link between the many educational facilities, transportation hubs and those living on the northern side of the city with employment and retail destinations in the City Centre.
A competition will be held to ensure a high quality design of the bridge, with the aim of creating a new landmark for Cork City.
