Part 8 Planning Notice: Marina Park Phase 2

COMHAIRLE CATHRACH CHORCAI

CORK CITY COUNCIL

_{Part 8 Planning Notice}

________________________________________________________________

_{Notice under Section 179 of the Planning and 
Development Act, 2000 and Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)} 

Pursuant to the requirements of Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Cork City Council plans to carry out the project titled: 

Marina Park Phase 2

Cork City Council is proposing to upgrade and improve the Marina Park Phase 2 area, through a Part 8 Planning Consent Process.The development of Marina Park has been a long-term ambition of Cork City Council. Following the adoption of the Marina Park Masterplan by Cork City Council in July 2013. The Masterplan describes the vision and ambition of the overall development. The project’s objective is to transform the existing landscape into an iconic park landscape with several distinct park attractions.

The delivery of Marina Park as the main public open space in the South Docklands is seen as a key economic driver and catalyst towards the regeneration of the South Docklands area.

The proposed Phase 2 scheme aims to provide an ‘eco-park’ and an area of high-quality public realm and landscape, while protecting and enhancing the natural heritage and biodiversity of the area. The scheme aims to improve public accessibility and amenities through the site, enhance the maintenance program, restore the historical structures and enhance the biodiversity within the park. The application is covering an area of 13 ha and when completed, it will form part of the 32 ha Marina Park Master-Plan.

Marina Park is located east of Cork City centre, with much of the site situated on reclaimed land along the southern shore of the river Lee. It adjoins the South Docklands, a former industrial area now scheduled for re-development for housing, retail, leisure and offices. The proposed improvements works on Phase Two will extend from The Atlantic Pond, to Church Avenue and will include the “Nature” zone of the park. This will accommodate picnic areas, adventure play areas, preserved marshland zones and several architectural heritage sites.

The works on the park will include a section of the southern stream, approaching the Atlantic Pond, and a section to the south of the GAA Stadium. This area falls under the Part 8 approval for phase 1, but the works were not carried out at the time due to budget constraints.

The objective of the public park works include:

• The creation of a great world class regional Park at the heart of Cork City, which will support the City commitment to develop sustainable communities and a sustainable way of living.

• Provide an ‘eco-park’ and an area of high-quality public realm and landscape, while protecting and enhancing the natural heritage and biodiversity of the area.

• The creation of a high quality sense of place which reflects the natural and historical setting and identity of the site, which connects all elements of the wider park and urban context - linking pedestrian, cycle, residential, community and recreational networks.

• To develop the park to its full potential and ambitions established in the Masterplan 2013, and to transform the existing landscape into an iconic park landscape with several distinct park attractions.

• Contributing and enabling Cork Docklands Development to fulfil its potential as one of the best places in Europe to live and work.

• The creation of conditions to support increased active travel, and support recreation, sport, learning and social interaction to meet Cork Citys ambition for the area.

This part of the City Centre has a number of key strengths, opportunities and challenges. The proposed Phase 2 scheme seeks to provide a range of integrated and well-located interventions that will support and enhance this natural and historic area, as a vibrant and restored ‘eco-park’ in the heart of Cork City.

Cork City Council appointed a multi-disciplinary team, lead by OKRA landscape architects with OCSC Engineering Consultants and HHWA as Conservation Architects. The team brings a range of expertise in the areas of planning, public realm, urban and landscape design, transportation, civil engineering, environmental design and conservation.

In addition, the proposed project has been screened to determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required and it has been concluded that the proposed development would not be likely to have significant effect on the environment and that the preparation and submission of an environmental impact report is not therefore required.

Have your say

Submissions and observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development is situated, may be made;

• Using this online submission portal 

• In writing to 'Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Department, City Hall, Cork City, T12 T997. The envelope should be clearly marked "Marina Park Phase 2" 

Closing date for all submissions is on Friday the 5th of August 2022 at 4pm. 

Cork City Council is subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014, the Data Protection Act 2018 and to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Cork City Council’s GDPR policy and Privacy Policy is available on our website http://www.corkcity.ie/gdpr 

All comments, including names and addresses of those making submissions and observations, submitted to Cork City Council in regard to this scheme, will form part of the statutorily required report to be presented at the monthly meeting of Cork City Council. Accordingly, they will be included in the minutes of that meeting and may appear in the public domain. Cork City Council will retain data for no longer than is necessary and in accordance with the Council's Retention Policy and relevant Data Protection legislation. 

Dated 24th June 2022 

Ann Doherty 
Chief Executive
 

Cork City Council