Over €700m currently being invested in Cork’s city centre

More than €700 million is currently being invested in Cork’s city centre by private and public sector organisations. The developments, which include a number of multi-functional sites encompassing retail, office, education, culture and tourism, are driving growth and confidence in Ireland’s second city.

Matching this financial investment, traders, retailers, hoteliers, city residents and businesses have been successfully working together to revitalise the city quarters, with the support of the CORE partnership which brings together Cork City Council, Cork Chamber, Cork Business Association, An Garda Siochana, Bus Eireann, Cork City Centre Forum and representatives from the hospitality sector and businesses across the city. A new publication entitled “Cork City Revitalisation – People, Place, Progress” was launched this week, highlighting the collaborative work ongoing in the city centre by communities, traders, developers, businesses, the local authorities and other stakeholders through the partnership approach.

There has been a 10 per cent increase in jobs growth over five years in Cork, which now sees the number of jobs in the city centre totalling 79,000. Footfall in the city centre is increasing, more than 1,000 student bedspaces are under construction and up to a 30 per cent increase in hotel rooms is proposed.

Speaking at the “People, Place, Progress” event held to launch the new Cork publication, Cork City Council Chief Executive Ann Doherty said: “The recent publication of Project 2040 is a huge vote of confidence in the future and potential of Cork city to act as a counterbalance to Dublin. Cork city centre is the beating heart of Cork and our City Centre Strategy aims to deliver for the wider Cork region through the revitalisation of Cork city centre. Central to this strategy is collaboration. As we work together to drive our great city centre, I am encouraged by the continued engagement and commitment of all involved in CORE, the city centre partnership, and the interaction and co-operation by businesses and community groups at a quarter and street level is very promising.”

Pictured at the “Cork City Centre Revitalisation – People, Place, Progress” showcase event: Paul McGuirk, City Centre Coordinator, Cork City Council; Deirdre O’Shaughnessy, Event MC; Clara O’Neill representing the Victorian Quarter and Lawrence Owens, Cork Business Association.