New shops and apartments – seven years after collapse
11:16, 22 May 2026Updated 12:01, 22 May 2026
The buildings on North Main Street(Image: Derelict Ireland)
The notorious buildings that have come to symbolise dereliction in Cork city centre are finally set for a new lease of life.
Seven years on from a partial collapse, the infamous derelict buildings on North Main Street – long propped up with scaffolding and “eyesore” girders – have been put out to tender by Cork City Council, who are seeking a developer to provide “mixed-use commercial/retail and private residential development.”
62-65 North Main Street are all included in the tender. In June 2019, the empty properties suffered a major structural collapse when the roof of Number 63 collapsed, throwing bricks out onto the busy thoroughfare and rupturing gas pipelines inside the premises – leading to a gas explosion.
Now the buildings, compulsorily purchased by Cork City Council several years ago, are set to be refurbished, in what it’s hoped will be the first step in a major revamp for the North Main Street area. The contract for mixed-use retail and residential usage signals a renewed focus on ‘above-the-shop’ living, which has also been supported by a new grant announced earlier this year.
Other extensive grants and tax breaks will also be available for whoever takes the site on – along with the full support of the City Council.
It could mark a significant turning point for a historic street plagued by dereliction and vacancy. Last year, business owners came out in force to ‘Clean and Green’ North Main Street, with Cork City Council having advised CorkBeo that “viability assessments” were ongoing to determine the best next step for No 62-65.
Thomas Gould TD holding a picture of derelict buildings on North Main Street in Cork city(Image: Houses of the Oireachtas)
Cllr John Maher today shared details of the tender process on social media, explaining: “The intention is the process will conclude in Q4, 2026 with award of tender to enable redevelopment of the properties commence in 2027.”
In October last year, Thomas Gould TD help up a photograph of the buildings in the Dáíl, using them as an example of neglect in Cork – and inviting Housing ministers to come and witness the sheer level of dereliction “ripping the heart out” of Leeside communities.
In tender documents published today, the Council explained their aims to bring in developers who will carry out the works and taken ownership of the premises: “The lands are currently in the ownership of Cork City Council, and it is envisaged that the tender process will culminate with the disposal of said lands to the successful tenderer for the contractual delivery of the successful bidders approved solution as per planning granted.”
The duration of the contract will be 18 months, and all proposals are required to “include detail on financing, overall design and detailed planning of the project.”
Last August, brickwork from the neighbouring No 61 collapsed onto the pavement, leading fire crews to seal off the area.