July 29th, 2015
Cork South Central TD Jerry Buttimer (FG) has welcomed the rubber stamp given to the planning application for the €50 million redevelopment of the old Capitol cinema site in the heart of Cork City.
Cork City Council approved the ambitious plans for The Capitol site on Grand Parade which is a major boost for Cork and brings the development, which has the potential to deliver 450 new jobs for Cork, one significant step closer to fruition.
The John Cleary Developments project will transform the renowned Capitol cinema site into a five-storey retail, office and food innovation centre that will completely regenerate the derelict site and serve to further enhance the city centre shopping district restoring it to its former glory.
Welcoming the news, Jerry Buttimer TD for Cork South Central said:
“The Capitol is a pivotal and iconic site in Cork city which has sadly laid dormant for many years. The development has the potential to provide a sizeable boost to job creation with the expected employment of 300 people in construction with jobs for 450 people upon completion.
“Importantly it will also transform Cork’s shopping district and create a space that will deliver a sustainable and exciting innovation and artisan food centre for the region that will promote all that Cork is and has to offer.
“As with most planning projects there will be issues that will need to be ironed out but it is vital that the redevelopment of this key site progresses. It will be the cherry that tops off the 2009 – 2015 development plan that has seen Cork rejuvenated and infinitely enhanced the city for its people and tourists.”
The application consists of over 48,500 square feet of retail space over three floors and 37,00 sq ft of office space on the top levels. As part of the plans the conservation listed Oyster Tavern will also be restored which is another pivotal element of the exciting project.