The development of the docklands area of Cork offers the city the opportunity to expand and become a real alternative centre of development to Dublin and the east coast, said the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Colm Burke, at the launch of the Cork City Development Plan 2004-2010 last night.
Cllr Burke predicted that the development of the docklands on both the north and south quays would help drive the growth of the greater Cork area over the next 15 years by attracting both new residents and industries as well as helping in the provision of new infrastructure which will enhance the city.
"I think the docklands is a major part of the city development plan. There's no other city in Europe that has 500 acres available for development within walking distance of the city centre.
"We're talking about building 3,000 residential units, developing six million square feet of office space - it's an ideal opportunity.
"We're the second biggest city in the state. It's quite clear that there's been over-development on the east coast. Cork is the second biggest city and we believe Cork is the place for businesses to move to," said Cllr Burke.
He rejected any suggestion that the dockland development would lead to businesses migrating from the city centre.
Cork city manager, Mr Joe Gavin, said that the docklands project represents a major opportunity for the redevelopment of the city through the period of this development plan and beyond.
Detailed plans are now being prepared to facilitate redevelopment of both the north and south quays during the coming years.
"The Lapps Quay hotel, residential, office and retail developments are well underway and a planning application has just been received for 400 residential units on the north docks at Water Street. Pre-planning discussions are underway in relation to a range of other sites both on the north and south docks," Mr Gavin said.
He pointed out that extensive redevelopment of the city centre is already underway at a cost of several hundred million euro.
"The public realm of the city is undergoing a major refurbishment, ranging from Blackpool village to Shandon Street to St Patrick's Street and Oliver Plunkett Street."
"The Cork Main Drainage Scheme, which is the single largest infrastructural project in the city for many years, is nearing completion and will deliver a very much improved river environment for the city in the near future." Mr Gavin
The provision of a balanced transport strategy involving bus, rail, cycle, pedestrian and car facilities is essential to the success of the city centre, he added.
The news that sites occupied by the Irish Examiner at Academy Street and Johnson and Perrott at Emmet Place will shortly be available for retail development in the city centre was also very welcome, said Mr Gavin, and the development of the €500 million Mahon Point Centre adds significantly to the shopping choice available to the consumer.
While there is a major shopping, office and leisure development under construction in Blackpool, he said, there is considerable potential for further development in the former Sunbeam complex in the area.
The planned re-opening of the Kilbarry rail station, along with the quality road system, will greatly enhance the accessibility of this area, he added.