After the recently concluded RIAI (Royal Institute of Architecture of Ireland) 2022 Public Choice Award, wherein the Cobh Public Realm submission had placed second among the short listed entries, i like to visit the winning design again and write a short post about it.
Inspired by a people-centered approach, the plan, which was drawn up by the Cork City Council and was consulted among the Cobh local community, was “a holistic vision for Cobh that promotes compact growth within the town centre”.
Also taking into account the sustainability factor, it aims to introduce 80 new trees, a new park, rainwater garden and a sustainable urban drainage to bolster biodiversity. This expansion of urban design would give way for a greater space for outdoor events, and includes 50% more seating as well as spaces for more than 200 bicycles.
The plan identifies six character areas and is designated by zones. Click highlighted “Zones” below to see the historical and current photos and also the proposed image.
Zone 1 – Annie Moore’s Place
Zone 2 – Kennedy Park
Zone 3 – The Town Squares
Zone 5 – MIdleton Street
Zone 6 – East Beach
Once the plan is formally adopted and has acquired the necessary funding, the very pedestrian-friendly design is intended to hopefully make Cobh even more attractive to tourists and improve its night-time economy, and also a more ideal place for locals to live, work and play.
More info about the Cobh Public Realm Enhancement Plan can be found on the Cork County Council website, which also has a video of the before and after.
Thank you for reading. What do you think about Cobh Public Realm Plan? Please feel free to comment your thoughts on the new design.
*CGG Computer Generated Graphics from Cork County Council website.
