Dereliction, vacancy, meanwhile use, night time economy

Uimhir Thagarta Uathúil: 
CRK-C155-DEV21-350
Stádas: 
Submitted
Údar: 
Kitty Sedgwick

8. Heritage, Arts & Culture

Architectural Conservation Areas/Dereliction

In the development plan you say that the “Built heritage of Cork city is a finite and precious resource” yet much of the city seems to be falling down before our very eyes with dereliction, especially of older properties, a huge problem. I appreciate the council has started to apply the dereliction levy recently, but in your letter to Brian O Connell you stated this is normally collected on the sale of the property. Does this mean it is never applied if the property isn’t sold?

I believe the council needs to take a much firmer stance on dereliction and vacancy including

  • Payment of the levy yearly on derelict properties
  • CPOs on properties derelict more than 2 years
  • Ensuring upper floors be used for accommodation in the city centre
  • Ensuring street access is maintained for upper floors

We must also insist that when an act of neglect – wilful or otherwise – results in the destruction of a heritage building, the owner is responsible for rebuilding it. Fines simply become part of the cost of doing business and are not a deterrant.

These are all in line with the strategic objectives stated in the development plan

R&H Hall should not be knocked and instead repurposed. The environmental cost of demolition is huge, and there are many international examples of the repurposing of grain silos for accommodation from student accomodation to hotels.

The Odlums building must be brought back into use.

Night time economy.

A greater focus should be placed on supporting the nighttime economy in Cork, and facilitating spaces for night time events. This can be using existing spaces and also allowing meanwhile use of vacant spaces. Cork has an opportunity to position itself internationally as a night time destination. Particularly while Dublin continues to shoot itself in the foot by destroying what is left of Temple Bar and the night time economy there. We must allow space for the small gigs, the pop up shows, the secret raves, to breathe life into our night time, which in turn provide employment and amenities for our citizens.

 

Built Heritage

Permeability – several businesses in the city centre have blocked off laneways for private use eg Little Cross Street, Grafton Lane. And where streets have been designated for use for outdoor dining, thought has not been given to pedestrians and disabled street users, eg McCurtain Street, Tuckey Street. In other instances businesses have used public seating as their own private seating for outdoor dining – eg Coal Quay.

Cork City Council should ensure citizens are not denied access to public spaces by private business.

 

Protected Structures

As I've said elsewhere, the Fox and Hounds pub and the adjacent stone building in Ballyvolane should be added to the list of protected structures. We know the importance of heritage buildings on street corners as placemakers, and surely we have learned our lesson after the demolition of The Sextant