New homes in a historic northside neighbourhood

12:27, 20 Nov 2025Updated 12:27, 20 Nov 2025

The old bakery at Old Market Place, Blarney Street

Works will start on a new apartment block in one of Cork’s most historic northside neighbourhoods within weeks, with crews to begin the redevelopment of the old bakery off Blarney Street on December 1.

The former bakery at Old Market Place will be turned into a residential apartment scheme. A large portion of the vacant and derelict buildings will be demolished to make way for two blocks ranging in height from two to four storeys tall. There will be a total of 27 new units: 10 two-bed and 17 one-bed apartments.

The old bakery will be knocked, while the old townhouse property will be restored(Image: Satellite )READ MORE: Cork man transforms 1950s bungalow into cosy modern home in new RTÉ showREAD MORE: ‘Truly unique’ tiny building with iconic view is cheapest property in Cork right now

The historic property dates back to 1770 but has been vacant for many years. It includes the old bakery building and former townhouse property which was most recently used for retail. Both have been vacant for a significant period of time. A little over 489 sqm will be knocked, while 50.5 sqm of the original buildings will be maintained. A commencement notice has been posted by Majestic Property Developers, with the start date of Monday, December 1, 2025.

The wider Shandon area is slated to become one of the hottest spots for property in Cork. The neighbourhood always been popular, given its charming streetscape, rich cultural history and proximity to the city centre. And an exciting regeneration boost to the public realm, local businesses, and community spaces will make Shandon ‘the New St Luke’s’ and a highly sought-after location.

There was a planning appeal over the development, which is in a very historic corner of Cork. Appellants including The Blarney Street Community Association appealed to An Bord Pleanála in 2022 in a bid to halt the development citing ‘excessive density’ and ‘adverse impacts’ on the Blarney Street Area.

The planning authority found that the development would constitute an acceptable quantum and quality of residential development, would not seriously injure the amenities of surrounding properties or detract from the character or visual amenity of the area.