North Docks
City and Central Area
11.35 The character of the North Docks is changing rapidly with new development attracting significant levels of new investment to the area. Whilst the railway yards and docks have historically been low-rise environments, recent new developments, such as Horgan’s Quay, have risen to 8 storeys. As further development takes place, building heights should typically be in the range of between 4 and 7 storeys. Along the banks of the River Lee, special attention is required. Buildings on the riverfront should generally step down and respect this key open space.
Historic Core
11.34 Prevailing building heights in the historic core of the city are typically between 2 and 5 storeys. More recent major developments have tended to be rise to 6 and 7 storeys with some taller exceptions. In view of the heritage assets and potential impact of new development on local character, infill and redevelopment opportunities should continue to make the best use of land with new development expected to generally range from 4 to 6 storeys. The historic waterfront of the River Lee plays a profound role in defining the character of Cork City. Building heights in these areas typically have building heights of 3-4 storeys. Special attention should be paid to ensuring waterfront developments respect the City’s iconic waterfront image and contribute positively to creating lively, high quality, publicly accessible riverside environments which are connected to the wider city. The form of new development on riverside sites should seek to minimise overshadowing of existing or new public riverside environments. Development directly on the riverfront should respect this key open space and the image of the city.
South Docks
11.36 The South Docks presents a significant long-term regeneration opportunity for Cork and Ireland. The phased redevelopment of this industrial area will generate a new character in what will be a radical transformation. The area is therefore significantly less sensitive to change and is correspondingly the most appropriate location for taller and tall buildings in the City. The majority of new buildings should range generally in height from 6 to 10 storeys with exceptional opportunities for tall buildings at appropriate locations within the area. As with North Docks and the City Centre, riverside development should step down, generally to 6 storeys. City Fringe, Primary Corridors and Major Urban Centres 11.37 Existing building heights typically range from 2 – 6 storeys in the city fringe and principal urban corridors, 2 – 5 in Mahon and Blackpool and 2 – 4 in Wilton. To seek to ensure the best use of land is achieved in whilst responding to local context, new development should respect this context.
456
Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 1 I Chapter 11
Powered by FlippingBook