PROPERTY DEVELOPER Owen O’Callaghan yesterday expressed optimism that he would have a €50 million, 5,000-seat event and conference centre for Cork completed and operational within two years as he lodged a planning application to Cork City Council.
Mr O’Callaghan said the proposed facility on a 1¾-acre site at Albert Quay near Cork City Hall would be a fully adaptable event centre including a run-out stage that could house concerts, conferences, sporting and leisure events and trade shows.
The event and conference centre fronting on to the south channel of the river Lee would have a maximum capacity of 7,500, both seated and standing, while the development would also house restaurants, bars, merchandising and reception areas as well as offices and services facilities, he said.
“The site lies within a few minutes’ walk of the city centre and bus and train stations and is adjacent to the South Link Road, making it accessible from west and east, and the event and conference centre will address a major deficit in Cork’s business and leisure infrastructure,” continued Mr O’Callaghan.
He said that with the event centre, Cork will be in a position for the first time to host cultural, entertainment and business events previously limited to Dublin and it would provide a multimillion-euro boost to the local and regional economy annually.
“This is a major project for Cork and the Munster region. Concert and West End show promoters will now be able to extend itineraries to include Cork.
“Major trade shows such as boat and motor shows and industrial and business exhibitions can be housed in the city. Sporting events such as major boxing tournaments can also be accommodated,” he said.
O’Callaghan Properties (OCP) acquired the site more than four years ago and work on the design of the centre has been proceeding in recent months with architects Henry J Lyons.
OCP has also been in discussions with international event centre specialists Live Nation, an OCP spokesman said.