PHASE one of the redevelopment of Blackrock village is on course to be finished by the end of the year.
Blackrock Village redevelopment. Pic: Larry Cummins
The million-euro project finally commenced earlier this year after close to ten years of delays, with architectural designs, budget shortfalls and archaeological discoveries all slowing down progress.
The works will see the redevelopment of Blackrock Harbour as a large, paved plaza, with new trees, street lamps and benches set to be added, and the area’s historic tramlines are set to be included as part of the designs.
Local councillor Terry Shannon reports that works are progressing well: “I expect it to be finished by the of December or maybe at the beginning of January. Some of the work involved is very intricate – it involves placing bricks individually, so it is quite time-consuming. But the tramlines are in place now and we can see the bulk of the work is done.”
It remains to be seen whether works will be completed in time for Blackrock to host a Christmas market, though Mr Shannon said that weekly farmer’s markets have continued each Sunday despite the works.
In recent weeks, the high wall close to the pier head has been demolished and will be rebuilt closer to the water. The wall will be lower in order to incorporate the vista of the harbour into the village.
Mr Shannon said, “The works will open up the whole area, from the harbour to the Ursuline convent. Next up is the work in the harbour area, which should start shortly. That will see the development of a pedestrianised, wide-open amphitheatre.”
The completion of the first phase will be welcomed by locals who have faced several months of traffic disruption.
Mr Shannon added, “We know that you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, but we want to see the work finished as soon as possible to minimise the traffic disruption, especially in the weeks before Christmas.”
Once phase one is completed, the bulk of the public realm works will be finished. Next,
The second phase will see concentrate on the development of a public park on the former Ursuline convent. Funding has yet to be secured for this, with Cork City Council awaiting the outcome of an application to the National Transport Authority. This decision is expected at the end of November. Mr Shannon is optimistic that further works in the coming years will enhance the entire Marina area, from Blackrock to Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
“This is longer term, but there are plans for parks along the Marina and, perhaps, pedestrianising the area,” he said.
“I don’t know if that is entirely feasible as it is still quite a busy traffic route, but these works should completely change the whole area over the next ten years.”
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