UNIVERSITY College Cork has unveiled plans for two major developments off campus which will cost £17 million.
The first development is a joint venture between UCC and a property developer, Mr Michael O'Flynn of O'Flynn Construction, to build a £10 million university technology centre on lands the college owns outside Bishopstown, on the west of the city.
The second development is a £7 million indoor sports complex, incorporating a 25 metre swimming pool, on the site of the university's existing sports ground at the Mardyke near the campus.
Dr Michael Mortell, the UCC president, said the new technology centre at Curraheen Road, beside the university's sports ground at the Farm, was designed to consolidate links between the university and industry.
It is understood that one telemarketing company which was considering setting up in Dublin, has decided to locate itself in Cork and is examining the university's technology centre as a possible base.
The proposal envisages a number of buildings, each up to 20,000 sq ft and divisible into smaller units as required. The Industrial Development Agency would be consulted on marketing the centre, which has easy access to all major routes.
Meanwhile, UCC is to apply for planning permission for its new sports centre at the Mardyke. It will be located on the south side of the sports ground which has an Olympic standard running track, an all weather hockey pitch, a rugby pitch and a GAA pitch.
Among the facilities planned are a main sports hall and an auxiliary sports hall, squash courts, a racquetball/handball court and a climbing wall, as well as a 25 metre swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms and a human performance laboratory.