Enhanced built and natural heritage
Protect, enhance, support and develop our built and natural heritage, our open spaces and parks, and our green and blue infrastructure, and expand our built heritage with new buildings, townscapes and public spaces achieved through the highest standards of architecture and urban design. Enhanced built and natural heritage
The Government’s 2021 Housing for All plan introduces enhanced measures to help support the activation and functional re-use of vacant building stock. Going forward, it is intended that the activation of vacant properties be included as a key criteria for the allocation of funding under the URDF. Renewed focus will be placed on the national Repair and Leasing Scheme, which helps bring vacant properties suffering from disrepair back into use as social housing. The cost of necessary repairs for a unit is paid upfront by a local authority or approved housing body, and is then leased back to that body for use as social housing, with the value of repairs gradually offset against rental payments paid to the property owner. Housing for All also promotes the wider launch of a major CPO programme by Ireland’s local authorities, with the aim of at least 2,500 vacant units acquired by 2026 for resale on the market. CCC have been proactive in regards to the compulsory purchase of vacant properties, having acquired several units in recent years. Enhanced supports for the purchasing and leasing of vacant properties at the national level will present further opportunities for CCC to address vacancy in the city centre area.
Enhancing the city centre’s built and natural heritage involves recognising the value of its existing assets and increasing levels of use and engagement. With close to 90 sites on the derelict sites register as at October 2021 and an additional 100 properties to be inspected by the end of the year (TBU), dereliction is a pressing issue for Cork City Centre, detracting from the urban environment. Several traditional retail streets suffer from vacancy, with 25-30 vacant units on St. Patrick’s Street and 10 vacant units on MacCurtain Street (Q3 2021). The City Centre’s historic spine, comprising Shandon Street to the north and Elizabeth Fort to the south as connected by North and South Main Street, is suffering from notable levels of vacancy. Upper floor vacancy is a particular issue and represents an inefficient use of the existing building stock. Underutilised upper units can be converted into apartments, offices, retail or art spaces, providing additional income for property owners, improving housing supply and increasing footfall. However, the cost of upgrades is high and there are additional challenges in bringing such spaces up to current apartment regulations and standards. The regeneration of the Grand Parade Quarter and the development of the Events Centre will have a regenerative impact on the City Centre. However, targeted action and renovation at site- specific levels remains necessary to address vacancy and restore and enhance the City Centre’s built heritage.
Stakeholders: An Taisce, Cork City Council, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Heritage Council, Office of Public Works, Private Developers, Waterways Ireland
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