“The lands are currently in the ownership of Cork City Council, and it is envisaged that the tender process will culminate with the disposal of said lands to the successful tenderer,” it said.

First declared derelict in 2015, the buildings suffered a partial collapse in 2019 which forced the city’s hand as the council stepped in and eventually acquired them via a compulsory purchase order in 2022.

Councillors have long called for City Hall to be more proactive in taking properties such as this back into use, and this move signals that the council is pressing ahead with development of this North Main St site.

It is understood that complex legal issues led to the delays with this site, with the council finally in a position to move the project forward.

“For clarity, the residential units in the proposed development are intended solely for the private housing market and will not be provided for social, affordable, or cost-rental purposes,” Cork City Council said. 

“The preferred bidder will be responsible for securing planning permission.” 

It said the site has a capacity for at least 25 residential units, which it envisages as a mix of studio, one-, and two-bed apartments.

As part of its hoped-for timeline, it wants the architectural design and planning consent process to come through within six months, with the delivery of the mixed-use commercial/retail and residential development within another 18 months.

“The council intends, subject to contract, to dispose of and sell the development site to the candidate whose tendered solution is deemed the most advantageous,” it said.

“The primary objective of this competition is to secure the delivery of a well-designed, high-quality, and sustainable mixed-use development on these lands, with particular emphasis on cost-effective design, quality, and sense of place.” 

Local Labour councillor John Maher hailed the move as a “positive development”.

“It’s good news for the city centre and long-term residence and business owners who’ve stuck through good and bad,” he said. 

“It’s something I’ve been fighting for for seven years as an elected representative and you can really see the positivity and good vibes happening around the city now."