A massive housing development planned for Cork’s Docklands has been knocked back by An Bord Pleanála, over concerns about the size and visual impact of the proposed apartment blocks.
The project, which was to be located on the old Tedcastles Yard site on Centre Park Road — once home to the ‘Live at the Marquee’ venue, would have seen 823 apartments built across six blocks, with one tower rising to 35 storeys.
Tiznow Property Company Ltd had hoped to transform the area into a self-contained urban village, including not just housing but also shops, cafés, two pubs, a medical centre, pharmacy, post office, library, dentist, two crèches and more, all within walking distance of the River Lee.
But at a meeting held on the 26th of May, the planning board decided to refuse permission for the development. In its decision, it said the scale and bulk of the buildings, especially the tower, would be too visually dominant, not only along the riverfront but also when viewed from other parts of the city.
The board felt the design would seriously detract from the character of the area, stating that the height and massing of the buildings would be “visually obtrusive” and out of keeping with the surrounding landscape. It also raised red flags over how the project fits into the existing zoning plans for the site.
The Tedcastles Yard site falls under four different zoning categories: New Residential Neighbourhoods, Neighbourhood and Local Centres, Public Open Space, and Education. Part of the proposed build was to go on land earmarked for educational use — something that didn’t sit well with planners.
The Department of Education had already submitted its concerns, warning that the expected population growth in the Docklands, potentially up to 25,000 people, could put significant pressure on local schools. The board agreed, saying that allowing residential units on land zoned for schools could make it harder to meet future demand for school places in the area.
While the decision will come as a blow to the developers, it highlights the planning authority’s intent to take a long-term view of how Cork’s Docklands should evolve, balancing ambition with liveability and essential services.
As for the site itself, its future remains uncertain for now. But with demand for housing in Cork still high, it’s unlikely this is the last we’ll hear of major plans for the area.
AllAboutCork will keep an eye on developments and report any updates as they come.
