Albert Quay - New Development

the beer revolu · 03-10-2014 4:25pm

Meursault wrote: »

Jeez, just goes to prove that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is a blight on the city. it looks like a big grey cement block. If this is what we are referring to as a cultural landmark, then god help poor cork.

I don't think anyone referred to it as a cultural landmark. Rather it is a historic, interesting, iconic piece of architecture with, in my opinion, a stark, brutal beauty.
Not everything has to be pretty to have value.

Personally, I think Opera Lane is one of the blandest most depressing featureless pieces of street design imaginable but I've heard people praising it.

It really does take all sorts.

who_me · 03-10-2014 5:10pm

the beer revolu wrote: »

I don't think anyone referred to it as a cultural landmark. Rather it is a historic, interesting, iconic piece of architecture with, in my opinion, a stark, brutal beauty.
Not everything has to be pretty to have value.

Personally, I think Opera Lane is one of the blandest most depressing featureless pieces of street design imaginable but I've heard people praising it.

It really does take all sorts.

I'm completely with you here. Opera Lane (despite the tacky name) has been a fantastic and very welcome commercial addition to the city, but visually it's so completely bland and featureless. It just creates a really uninteresting urban landscape with no architectural features, shapes, shadows to catch the eye.

Minimalism can be stunning, but it doesn't really scale. A big featureless 6/7 storey block on one side of the street opposite a near-identical featureless block just creates an empty uninteresting street-scape.

In its defence, the upper couple of floors are a bit more interesting in shape & materials, it's not a perfect cuboid; but you can't really see them from street level.

It's the same concern I'd have about the docklands development, including One Albert Quay. If they need to be 'modern', fine. But can't there be modern, interesting buildings? I suspect some of the blame is down to the planning department, who seem to reject more interesting designs in favour of lopping a few floors off everything and giving the green-light to anything safe, boxy and conventional.

BUNK1982 · 04-10-2014 11:08am

Does anyone know who makes the design decisions? Is it the developer gets and architect, submit plans and there approved by the city council. Does the council set any framework in terms of what the new buildings should look like or do they just go with whatever is put in front of them??

I don't mind the design for One Albert Quay - yes it's just a glass and steel box but it is only an office block and I think it makes the City Hall look better for being next to it, there's a contrast there if that makes sense?

Red Nissan · 04-10-2014 9:07pm

BUNK1982 wrote: »

Does anyone know who makes the design decisions? Is it the developer gets and architect, submit plans and there approved by the city council. Does the council set any framework in terms of what the new buildings should look like or do they just go with whatever is put in front of them??

A huge question.

No standard answer as it's all about people, both elected and city employees and political lobbying from interested parties.

As example the Elysian Tower complex was designed differently, however, the then City Manager wanted a New York street feel so the plans were rearranged to what we have today ~ Also a couple of floors were removed.

There are a few general planning guidelines but usually the City Fathers and Professionals are more than eager to get anything ~ but recently they have coped on a bit, a 5,000 seater theater was disallowed in a hotel complex for the Coal Quay when it allowed for only 300 car spaces and was rejected again when the spaces were made smaller to allow 360 ~ :pac::pac::pac:

At least we seem to be making decisions.

BUNK1982 · 04-10-2014 9:42pm

Red Nissan wrote: »

No standard answer as it's all about people, both elected and city employees and political lobbying from interested.

Well that would explain a lot.

My main gripe with development in the city is that there's no cohesion or sense of a plan and it will have a negative impact if left unchecked.

I like the Albert Quay development because it provides office space in the city centre which is sorely lacking, ideally we could see more of this follow on and a Central Business District emerge. Like what South Mall used to be.

moyners · 05-10-2014 5:10pm

View earlier today

zetalambda · 05-10-2014 6:25pm

moyners wrote: »

View earlier today

Elysian complex looks great from that side. Are they going to be knocking the building with the three triangular roofs as well?

vince · 05-10-2014 8:23pm

Yes

vince · 05-10-2014 8:25pm

Yes

vince · 05-10-2014 8:25pm

Yes

vince · 05-10-2014 8:25pm

Yes

vince · 05-10-2014 8:25pm

Yes

rebs23 · 06-10-2014 2:11pm

Its great to see development and construction on major projects begin in the city centre again.

Pro Hoc Vice · 06-10-2014 2:28pm

rebs23 wrote: »

Its great to see development and construction on major projects begin in the city centre again.

That area is going to be very busy for building with this project this year, the criminal courts building next year and a possibility of the conference centre also.

CHealy · 06-10-2014 2:48pm

Pro Hoc Vice wrote: »

That area is going to be very busy for building with this project this year, the criminal courts building next year and a possibility of the conference centre also.

Whats the plan there?

Pro Hoc Vice · 06-10-2014 3:00pm

CHealy wrote: »

Whats the plan there?

Car park behind DC building new Court house from what I have seen a mini version of what's in Dublin.

CHealy · 06-10-2014 4:52pm

Pro Hoc Vice wrote: »

Car park behind DC building new Court house from what I have seen a mini version of what's in Dublin.

Cheers, any links to plans?

Pro Hoc Vice · 06-10-2014 5:19pm

CHealy wrote: »

Cheers, any links to plans?

http://www.ndfa.ie/Publications/2014/CourtsBundlePPPProgrammeMarketLaunchDay.pdf

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Going Strong · 09-10-2014 1:45pm

rebs23 wrote: »

Its great to see development and construction on major projects begin in the city centre again.

Another one for the city centre. Merchant's Quay to get a facelift and refit.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/property/merchants-quay-shopping-centre-is-to-be-redeveloped-290447.html

CB19Kevo · 09-10-2014 3:07pm

Going Strong wrote: »

Another one for the city centre. Merchant's Quay to get a facelift and refit.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/property/merchants-quay-shopping-centre-is-to-be-redeveloped-290447.html

The quayside is the big problem,Ugly as can be yet so much potential.

who_me · 09-10-2014 3:18pm

Going Strong wrote: »

Another one for the city centre. Merchant's Quay to get a facelift and refit.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/property/merchants-quay-shopping-centre-is-to-be-redeveloped-290447.html

Great to see.

As said above, the (pictured) Patrick St. end is currently probably the best aspect of it! It's the quay-side that needs a refresh. Even just replacing the windows, and perhaps opening some of the quay-side units onto that street would make a big difference.

Also, since Parnell Place is getting such a face-lift, it would be good (if practical) if that end of the centre to be more than one big service entrance.

Most of my living-room view is of Merchant's Quay, so I hope they do a good job of it!

Jimmy Bottles · 09-10-2014 4:59pm

Would also be nice is the bus station could be moved with the vacant space being turned into more retail space.

That side of Parnell Place has a real grotty feel with sex shops and the like.

thomil · 09-10-2014 5:04pm

CB19Kevo wrote: »

The quayside is the big problem,Ugly as can be yet so much potential.

The big problem I see there is traffic. While I would certainly love to see the quayside spruced up like the front, that part of the building will still face a busy four lane road. Therefore, unless something drastic is done about that road, and the sidewalks in front of Merchant's Quay are significantly widened, opening some of the units onto that side, as suggested in another post, makes no real sense. I do agree that something needs to be done about the look of that part of the building, but I can see why it is low on the list of priorities.

54kroc · 09-10-2014 5:07pm

thomil wrote: »

The big problem I see there is traffic. While I would certainly love to see the quayside spruced up like the front, that part of the building will still face a busy four lane road. Therefore, unless something drastic is done about that road, and the sidewalks in front of Merchant's Quay are significantly widened, opening some of the units onto that side, as suggested in another post, makes no real sense. I do agree that something needs to be done about the look of that part of the building, but I can see why it is low on the list of priorities.

They should pop in a cycle lane as well, tis not as if the traffic is bad in that area.

who_me · 09-10-2014 7:10pm

Jimmy Bottles wrote: »

Would also be nice is the bus station could be moved with the vacant space being turned into more retail space.

That side of Parnell Place has a real grotty feel with sex shops and the like.

Is retail space needed in the centre? I don't know. There are certainly lots of vacant units around the city centre now, though maybe it's a sign we need larger units, and lower rates!

I'd guess the station draws a lot of foot traffic over that direction, so it's helpful in that regard.

That side is a bit grotty alright - though personally I wouldn't have any problem with the sex shops. I'd be more worried about the run-down buildings. I heard a rumour that the building next to the bus station (ex sports shop) is being redeveloped as a big bar / restaurant, hope that's so.

D'Agger · 10-11-2014 1:04pm

Am I correct in saying that the building across the road from the Sextant is the site for this development?

If so then did they clear down the quays just for the sake of it or is that in case the events centre gets the go ahead on the quays?

Going Strong · 10-11-2014 2:22pm

D'Agger wrote: »

Am I correct in saying that the building across the road from the Sextant is the site for this development?

If so then did they clear down the quays just for the sake of it or is that in case the events centre gets the go ahead on the quays?

The site on Albert Quay, opposite The Sextant, is a new office block. It runs from the corner opposite The Sextant up to the vehicle entrance for The Webworks. The proposed site for the proposed events centre is on the same block as The Sextant is on and will slot in between Carey Tools and The Idle Hour on the other corner facing the river.

CHealy · 10-11-2014 2:44pm

I was driving down that way from the bus station over the weekend and I have to say, now that those ugly warehouses are gone, the Elysian and its surroundings looked absolutely fantastic. It really magnified the size of the tower and looked like a proper scrapper. At this stage I'd nearly rather they turn the new office area into a park or something. Its a great sight for any tourists/newcomers walking out that side of the bus terminal.

leahyl · 03-12-2014 12:48pm

Passed the Elysian this morning and Aldi looks to be very close to opening - I'd say in the next 2 weeks just in time for Christmas. Anyone know the exact date?

evilivor · 03-12-2014 1:29pm

leahyl wrote: »

Passed the Elysian this morning and Aldi looks to be very close to opening - I'd say in the next 2 weeks just in time for Christmas. Anyone know the exact date?

December 10th I believe.

Harry Angstrom · 05-12-2014 7:56pm

Not exactly a prime location for Aldi, seeing as The Elysian is such a white elephant.

Pro Hoc Vice · 05-12-2014 7:57pm

Harry Angstrom wrote: »

Not exactly a prime location for Aldi, seeing as The Elysian is such a white elephant.

Why is it a white elephant?

Pro Hoc Vice · 05-12-2014 7:57pm

evilivor wrote: »

December 10th I believe.

11th.

ofcork · 05-12-2014 8:02pm

Aldi could be good for that area attracting more footfall and may lead to others opening.

Harry Angstrom · 05-12-2014 8:13pm

Pro Hoc Vice wrote: »

Why is it a white elephant?

Because I've seen more activity in a graveyard.

Pro Hoc Vice · 05-12-2014 8:17pm

ofcork wrote: »

Aldi could be good for that area attracting more footfall and may lead to others opening.

Commercial on south side of building now full, North side one unit left and east very little commercial leaving just the west side but I agree the extra footfall could attract to that side.

Pro Hoc Vice · 05-12-2014 8:18pm

Harry Angstrom wrote: »

Because I've seen more activity in a graveyard.

Really the 100 plus residents and fair number of commercial business would say it's not a graveyard.

Harry Angstrom · 05-12-2014 8:25pm

Pro Hoc Vice wrote: »

Really the 100 plus residents and fair number of commercial business would say it's not a graveyard.

Hi Mick!

Pro Hoc Vice · 05-12-2014 8:28pm

Harry Angstrom wrote: »

Hi Mick!

Nope! But I have been a resident in the building for some time, it's lovely.

clerk · 08-12-2014 5:07pm

Harry Angstrom wrote: »

Because I've seen more activity in a graveyard.

It certainly was a 'white elephant' but i think it's slowly getting there.

The large development at Albert Quay will feed into it too.

At some stage the area is really going to pick up and Aldi might clean up with the passing trade. Maybe they know something we don't !!

lisasimpson · 08-12-2014 8:06pm

anyone know what the story is with parking for the new Aldi. they will have a nice number of customers at their door step once the Albert Quay is up and running and not too far from the college of commerce. depending on parking arrangements they would get custom from employees on Monahan rd

Pro Hoc Vice · 08-12-2014 8:44pm

lisasimpson wrote: »

anyone know what the story is with parking for the new Aldi. they will have a nice number of customers at their door step once the Albert Quay is up and running and not too far from the college of commerce. depending on parking arrangements they would get custom from employees on Monahan rd

There is at least 200 public spaces in the Elysian, Euromedic gives free parking I think, I wonder will the new shop.

sozbox · 08-12-2014 8:56pm

Aldi provide free parking for one hour

Rhys Essien · 19-01-2015 6:38pm

Latest news.

http://www.eveningecho.ie/news/cork-news/2015/01/19/14400-tonnes-of-concrete-poured-into-one-albert-quay/

blindsider · 19-01-2015 7:05pm

2000 people - 135 car spaces....?

How's that going to work? And please don't suggest public transport - we don't have a bus service worthy of the name!

D'Agger · 19-01-2015 7:07pm

blindsider wrote: »

2000 people - 135 car spaces....?

How's that going to work? And please don't suggest public transport - we don't have a bus service worthy of the name!

Bike Scheme? :pac:

namloc1980 · 19-01-2015 7:54pm

blindsider wrote: »

2000 people - 135 car spaces....?

How's that going to work? And please don't suggest public transport - we don't have a bus service worthy of the name!

I work in a building housing a couple of hundred people in the city centre with precisely zero car spaces and we all seem to make our way in every day. It just wouldn't be feasible to provide car spaces for every single worker...imagine the additional traffic chaos for a start.

Michael.. · 19-01-2015 8:26pm

blindsider wrote: »

2000 people - 135 car spaces....?

How's that going to work? And please don't suggest public transport - we don't have a bus service worthy of the name!

The Park & Ride service is pretty reliable and it's only out the road.

cgcsb · 19-01-2015 8:31pm

More car parking = more traffic. More people on buses = greater demand for public transport services

KCAccidental · 19-01-2015 9:19pm

Michael.. wrote: »

The Park & Ride service is pretty reliable and it's only out the road.

yup, it's pretty much the most reliable public transport service in Cork.

Albert Quay - New Development

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