Introduction, Blackpool/Shandon in Profile: pg. 3

Introduction
The Government has approved urban renewal schemes for Cork based on Integrated Area Plans prepared
by Cork Corporation for Blackpool/Shandon and the City Docks.
The Integrated Area Plans include objectives for economic, social and environmental development and
identify a series of sub-areas for the purposes of tax designation. It is envisaged that the application of
these incentives, supported by a series of parallel measures, will provide a catalyst for area-wide
development.
Following the loss of its traditional industry, Blackpool is now emerging from a period of decline with a
new confidence stimulated by infrastructural investment, a series of environmental improvements, and
housing developments, which will be complimented by a series of tax incentives. The new Blackpool Bypass
and the opening of Kilbarry railway station will provide greatly improved links to the city centre, the
airport, port, and to the national road network. The new Blackpool Shopping Centre will act as a focus for
redevelopment in the area. The new urban renewal scheme introduces incentives for developers to bring
high-tech industrial uses, possibly linked to third level institutions, to key sites in the area, such as the
former Sunbeam complex.
The following seven sub-areas covering almost 30 hectares have been selected for tax designation in the
Blackpool/Shandon area:
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Sunbeam Complex
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John Street/John Redmond Street
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Thomas Davis Street
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Coburg Street
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Ballyvolane
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Popes Quay
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Watercourse Road
Specific incentives apply in each of these sub-areas. In addition, incentives are available to owner-occupiers
throughout the Blackpool/Shandon IAP area for the refurbishment of houses constructed before 1920.
The qualifying period for the commercial/industrial tax incentives is from 1 July 1999 to 31 December
2002. Residential tax incentives run from 1 March 1999 to 31 December 2002.
Under the new scheme, in order to qualify for financial incentives all developments must now be certified
by Cork Corporation as being consistent with the Integrated Area Plan. This brochure sets out the principal
features of the scheme as they currently apply in the Blackpool/Shandon area. It includes information on
the incentives available in each sub-area, the requirements of the Integrated Area Plan and details of the
financial aspects of the scheme.
Blackpool / Shandon Urban Renewal Scheme
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Blackpool/Shandon ■ Integrated Area Plan ■ Designated Areas
Designated Areas
Blackpool Bypass
Landmark Buildings
4
Blackpool / Shandon Urban Renewal Scheme
Blackpool/Shandon in Profile
Shandon developed as a suburb of the medieval city and by the 19th century was the focus for the thriving
Butter Market. Development extended in a linear fashion to Blackpool along what was the main route
north, from Cork. The Blackpool Valley became a focus for industry and formed the industrial heart of the
city into the 20th century. The legacy of this industrial past continues to be reflected in the many industrial
buildings and areas of housing which survive from the 18th and 19th centuries and which give the area
its character.
Modern day Blackpool/Shandon combines commercial, industrial and residential uses. A commercial/
industrial spine runs through the middle of the Blackpool/Shandon area from the city quays via Carrolls
Quay, Watercourse Road and Thomas Davis Street to the industrial lands at the northern end of the area,
centred on the Sunbeam Complex. There are many opportunity sites scattered throughout this corridor
which are suitable for redevelopment.
The area has a broad range of house types of different ages. There is a strong sense of community in
Blackpool and Shandon and the maintenance of these residential communities is vital to the development
of the area. The protection of the residential function of the area will be supported by encouraging the
refurbishment of the housing stock and through the development of infill sites in selected locations.
Blackpool/Shandon: an area in transition
Blackpool/Shandon is an area in transition where a number of factors are changing the image of the area
and increasing its attractiveness as a location for development.
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The area acts as the main entrance to Cork from Limerick where the National Primary
route (N20) enters the city via the new Blackpool Bypass. On completion, the Blackpool
Bypass will provide a direct link to the city centre and increase accessibility to the regional
road network. The completion of the bypass, now scheduled for 2001, will greatly increase
the attractiveness of the area as a business and employment location and the removal of
through traffic will create an attractive residential environment.
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The Cork to Dublin railway line runs through the northern sector of the IAP area. The
reopening of the Kilbarry railway station to serve as a new suburban rail link to Blarney and
Mallow will also act as a significant asset in the development of the area.
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The Blackpool Shopping Centre will serve an extensive catchment and will provide a central
focus for the northside, thus increasing the attractiveness of the area for development.
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The redevelopment of the Sunbeam Complex, ideally linked to the re-opening of the
Kilbarry railway station, is seen as a key development opportunity in the revitalisation of the
north side of the city (potential uses include industrial, educational or research and
development facilities).
The proximity of the area to city centre amenities makes it a prime location for development. Conditions are
now ripe for renewal and there is confidence that the area-based incentives will greatly assist in this process.
Objectives for Urban Renewal in Blackpool/Shandon
The principal objective of the Blackpool/Shandon Integrated Area Plan is to bring about the rejuvenation
of the area through a series of actions which aim to:
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Support the existing residential function of the area through the refurbishment of existing
properties, sensitively designed new developments, environmental improvements, and the
provision of adequate amenity/recreation space
Blackpool / Shandon Urban Renewal Scheme
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▼
Exploit the construction of the Blackpool By Pass through a comprehensive traffic
management scheme
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Provide opportunities for employment uses to locate in the area
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Improve linkages within the area and with both the City Centre and the rest of the northside
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Bring vacant, derelict and unused buildings/sites back into productive use.
These objectives will be achieved through the application of tax incentives, supported by a series of parallel
measures aimed at developing investor confidence and stimulating physical and social renewal.
Detailed objectives for each sub-area are set out in the Integrated Area Plan. The objectives for the subareas approved by Government are summarised on an area by area basis in this brochure. All incentivebased development must be consistent with these objectives and with the policies and objectives of the
Cork City Development Plan. Developers and owner-occupiers hoping to avail of the incentives are advised
to consult these objectives to establish whether their proposal is likely to meet the requirements.
Experience with previous renewal schemes nationally raised concerns about the loss of architectural
heritage. The architectural variety of older buildings in Blackpool and Shandon (warehouses, houses, etc.)
is one of the strengths of the area which will bring benefits to owners and the area generally if sensitively
conserved. This is a key objective of the Integrated Area Plan. For this reason, owners should consult with
the Planning Authority in advance of works to identify features of interest and the measures necessary to
conserve them.
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Blackpool / Shandon Urban Renewal Scheme
Blackpool/Shandon ■ Integrated Area Plan
■
Blackpool Bypass - Improved Access Opportunities
Blackpool Bypass
Landmark Buildings
Blackpool / Shandon Urban Renewal Scheme
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Blackpool/Shandon ■ Integrated Area Plan ■ Environmental Strategy
Reduce Traffic Function &
Improve Pedestrian Amenity
Create Focal Points through
Environmental improvements
Local Amenity Area/Parks
Blackpool Bypass
Landmark Buildings
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Blackpool / Shandon Urban Renewal Scheme