Cork City Hall is in discussions with the owners of the historic bonded warehouse situated on Cork City’s iconic Custom House site. These discussions are prompted by growing concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of this protected structure.
Tower Development Properties received planning permission over four years ago for a significant multi-million euro redevelopment of this privately-owned gateway site in the docklands. The approved plans include a striking 34-storey, 240-bedroom hotel – double the height of the Elysian building nearby – alongside various commercial spaces.
The ambitious project envisioned the refurbishment and extension of the bonded warehouse to house a maritime museum and visitor centre, a distillery, and a selection of retail, food, beverage, and office units. However, construction has not yet commenced.
At the Cork City Council meeting held on Monday in June, Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy, a historian, requested an update on the status of the bonded warehouse.
Niall O’Donnabháin, the council’s director of services for planning and integrated development, confirmed the existence of a valid planning application for the site, initially approved by the city council in 2019 and subsequently upheld by An Bórd Pleanála in 2021. He emphasized that the site remains under private ownership, making the owners responsible for its upkeep.
“Cork City Council strongly supports the development of this significant heritage and gateway site,” he stated.
“Following engagement, the owner remains focused on developing the site in line with the granted planning permission and Cork City Council will assist where possible, including exploring potential funding opportunities, to see this realised.”
Cllr. McCarthy expressed further concern, stating, “While I acknowledge the existence of a valid planning application, is there anything that can be done to prevent the ongoing deterioration of the building’s structure? It’s distressing to witness its decline.”
Mr. Ó Donnabháin responded that the council is actively engaging with the site owners regarding the derelict sites and protected structures aspects of the property.
“We are taking it very, very seriously. We are trying to encourage all aspects of this development, to ensure work is done to protect the buildings which are of national significance,” he said.
Among those who objected to the redevelopment of the Custom House site were An Taisce and artist John Adams. Their objections centered on the proposed hotel’s height, its potential impact on the city’s skyline, and the wider impact of the scheme on the historical significance and heritage of the site, which encompasses three protected structures: the bonded warehouse (built in 1814), the Custom House, and the Revenue Building.
The three-story bonded warehouse, constructed between 1814 and 1819, features vaulted storage spaces with stone spiral staircases within external semi-circular towers that provide access to the upper floors. It has remained vacant for several years.
The Custom House was erected in 1818. The Cork Harbour Commissioners took occupancy of the building in 1904 and added an extension in 1906, which included a boardroom and offices.
The Revenue Building, a two-story cut-stone structure dating back to 1814-19, is situated between the Custom House to the west and the bonded warehouse to the east. It has been largely unoccupied for a number of years.
