Elysian vision for high rise living in Cork

CORK: €375,000 to €2M:Cork developer Michael O'Flynn is aiming high with The Elysian, the tallest apartment block in the country, where 211 homes, including penthouses, go on sale this week

WITH DUBLIN CITY planners at loggerheads on the issue of tall buildings in the capital, Cork has quietly gone ahead behind its back and built the country's tallest residential tower.

The gleaming new building, called The Elysian now dominates the Cork skyline but while it's a new landmark for the city, developer Michael O'Flynn will be hoping that Cork is ready for apartment living in earnest.

He has 211 units to sell, ranging from spacious one-beds up to luxurious triplex penthouses costing up to €2 million each.

The homes are located in a 17 storey tower which overshoots Cork County Hall, to establish it as the country's tallest building.

Set on three acres of grounds next to the City Hall, the residents will have the use of a private inner garden, modelled on Japanese gardens and including speciman trees and water cascades and an arching copper sculpture.

Selling agents Sherry Fitz-Gerald have been holding off on launching the new apartments until the entire building could be presented in showhouse condition.

Of the overall development 37 are penthouses, some of them ranging up to 241.5sq m (2,600sq ft). These homes also have huge balconies and parking in the basement where there are no less than 550 spaces. The promoters are providing a concierge service, as well as a restaurant, creche and gym at ground floor level.

Large one-bedroom apartments, located in the first to fourth floors, start at €375,000 and rise to €495,000; two-bedroom units start at approximately €495,000, and range up to around €690,000 depending on size and location in the building. A three-bedroom double aspect apartment complete with garden is priced at €950,000 while the largest apartment is a three-level penthouse aat €2 million designed for local captains of indstry, or anyone not concerned about the major fluctuations in the stock market.

The Elysian launch will be the first major test for the upper end of the market, where traditionally buyers have preferred houses over apartments. Many of the units will undoubtedly be of interest to younger people who, like those in Dublin, prefer the city centre to the sprawling suburbs. Wealthy parents keen to get their children on the property ladder are also likely to be among the early buyers. However, the difficulties in the mortgage market will obviously mean that a good deal of cash will have to be part of any purchase in this, and other similar schemes.

The Elysian, 1 South Mall, Cork

The tallest apartment building in Ireland, with 211 homes, including 37 penthouses

Agent:Sherry FitzGerald