Major refurbishment plans for Cork city centre are closer to implementation after a contract was signed between contractors McGinty and O'Shea Ltd and the city council.
In an ambitious city council plan for the city centre, areas such as Patrick's Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, the Huguenot Quarter and the Grand Parade will be significantly improved.
Patrick's Street will be the first area to be transformed at a cost of approximately €10 million with work due to start at the end of this month.
The new design will significantly reduce the space given to traffic on Patrick's Street with over half of the area from Merchant's Quay to Daunt Square being set aside for pedestrians.
The new project will look at shop signs and clear away the clutter that has accumulated over the last few years.
This along with other measures, such as tactile paving means the street will be far more user friendly for the disabled and visually impaired.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Tom O'Driscoll, said the project will enable Cork to maintain its position as a premier business and shopping area.
"The renewal project which will carry through to other areas such as Oliver Plunkett Street and the Huguenot Quarter over time has huge symbolic as well as aesthetic importance," Mr O'Driscoll said.
The contract marks the start of preparations for 2005 when Cork will be European City of Culture.
Cork City Council executives will meet with traders in the near future to outline the programme and method of work.
City manager, Mr Joe Gavin, said the redesign of Patrick's street by renowned Spanish architect, Ms Beth Gali will reflect the pride and spirit of Cork.
Ms Gali is known for her imaginative design of public spaces and buildings in Barcelona.
She began her architectural career working for Barcelona City Council's "Urban Projects Workshop".
The architect is currently working on a number of projects including a shopping centre in Salamanca and an audiovisual campus and bathing area for Forum 2004 in Barcelona.