THOUGH office construction has virtually dried up in most parts of Ireland, Cork developer Michael Clery of JCD is moving ahead with the largest ever office development in Cork.
The €70 million project at City Gate Park in Mahon will be one of the single largest open plan office developments in the country when it is completed next autumn.
The 26,012 sq m (280,000 sq ft) development will consist of three buildings, one of which has been acquired by US technology giant Quest Software for their new European headquarters. The company is reported to have paid in the region of €20 million for the block
The two remaining buildings are interconnected and can accommodate requirements of up to 18,580 sq m (200,000 sq ft). Floor plates will range in size up to 4,460 sq m (48,000 sq ft) with the aim of attracting multinational companies. An underground car park will have 600 spaces.
The new offices will overlook a glass-ceilinged streetscape which will have high street shops, cafes and restaurants, along with a 2,043 sq m (22,000 sq ft) gym and a 20-metre swimming pool.
Mr Clery is modelling City Gate park on his nearby €100 million City Gate office development, where 1,200 people work. As well as VHI Swiftcare and HIQA, it is home to US multinational software companies such as McAfee, Solarwinds, Big Fish and Aruba Networks.
Joint agents CBRE and Downing Commercial are quoting rents of €215 per sq m (€20 per sq ft).
