Planning sought for redevelopment of former Cork city pub

A Former pub in the city could be set for a new lease of life following a planning application proposing a new mixed-use development at the prominent site.

Applicant Packo Maguire has submitted proposals for the redevelopment of the former Port Bar at 2 Victoria Rd.

The application proposes the demolition of the former pub with residence above, retaining the existing front façade of the building, and the construction of a four-storey building in its place with a restaurant on ground floor level and three two-bed apartments over the first, second and third floors.

Design

A design statement submitted with the application said the overall strategy is to “deliver a high-quality restaurant and accommodation scheme, with retention of the existing Port Bar façade and restoration of the architectural features that contribute positively to the streetscape and reinforce the strength of the architectural conservation area to Albert Quay and Victoria Road”.

“The reuse of the existing Port Bar and the repurposing of each level of the building will restore and reinforce the positive contribution of this building to the streetscape and to the social infrastructure of this site.

“The respectful addition of another level of accommodation will not detract from the streetscape,” it says.

The statement submits that the proposed development “represents a great opportunity to redevelop a derelict building in an important area of the Albert Quay architectural conservation area”.

Cork City Council is due to make a decision on the planning application by the end of next month.