Tivoli - A New Perspective
  • 20 Dec 2017

Tivoli - A New Perspective

Design Review Information

In 2017, the RIAI held a Design Review for the Port of Cork Company for Tivoli, Cork. The PoCC is a commercial semi-state company with responsibility for providing high-quality, competitively priced port infrastructure and services. The POCC’s planned relocation of port operations from Tivoli and the Cork City Docks to alternative port locations in the lower Cork Harbour provides a unique opportunity to create a new living and working quarter at Tivoli and a destination for the people of Cork city and county.

Architectural Panel and Chair

The contributing architects were: Angela Brady, O.B.E., Director Brady Mallalieu Architects; Michelle Fagan, Director FKL Architects; David Flannery, Director Scott Tallon Walker Architects; Andrew Griffin, Director Urban Agency Architects; John McLaughlin, Director John McLaughlin Architects; and John O’Mahony, Director OMP Architects.  The process also benefitted from a highly experienced and knowledgeable Chair, John Martin, previously Principle Planning Adviser in the former Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.  

A Vibrant New Urban Living and Working Quarter

The RIAI Design Review produced a holistic vision statement for Tivoli, which was drawn from individual architectural expertise in areas such as public and private housing, sustainable development, docklands and waterside redevelopment, and the creation of cultural and educational infrastructure and public amenity space.

The Design Review Panel concluded that the Tivoli site could accommodate a minimum of 3,000 new homes overlooking the River Lee and green space, providing homes for young workers, families and retirees. The scale of the site will also accommodate a variety of other compatible uses – including employment, education, social and cultural. The project will be delivered in a phased development. The new urban quarter Tivoli will contribute significantly to Cork’s growth over the next 20-30 years. Sustainability will be central to the overall design, including the use of renewable energy, waste recycling, flood protection and urban drainage. Particular quality will be taken to maintain water quality of the River Lee and to protect the natural habitat to the east of the site.  The River Lee will also provide a great opportunity for marine-related sport and leisure activities.  One of Tivoli’s key attributes is its connectivity to the Cork city and the wider Cork area.

Tivoli is an exceptional site and of strategic planning important at national, metropolitan and city levels. The creation of Tivoli as a world-class living quarter forms port of Cork 2050, a joint submission by Cork County Council and Cork City Council to the National Planning Framework. Tivoli as a location to meet housing and employment needs is also part of the Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021.

If you are interested in undertaking an RIAI Design Review, contact Director of Architecture and Communications, Dr. Sandra O'Connell.