Derelict buildings are being replaced with new houses

Artist’s impression of proposed new housing estate(Image: Popes Hill LRD)

Permission has been granted for a brand new development on Cork’s northside, which will see more than 100 new homes built.

Pontorac Limited has been given conditional permission for a large-scale residential development at Pope’s Hill in The Glen. Four existing dwellings will be knocked down to accommodate the project, three of which are derelict.

The development will see a total of 103 new homes built, split almost evenly between townhouses and duplex apartments.

The townhouse side of the development will comprise three two-bed units, 39 three-bed units, and 8 four-bed units, while the apartments will be made up of 18 one-bed units, six two-bed apartments, and 29 three-bed units.

What the Pope’s Hill residential development should look like(Image: Popes Hill LRD)

A total of 21 homes will be transferred to Cork City Council for social housing, and a creche will be included in the development, with a capacity of 38 childcare places.

The project site sits about 400m from the centre of Blackpool village, and adjoins existing residential developments on Pope’s Road and the Military Cemetery Park.

In their planning statement, the developers outline that they hope the proposed Pope’s Hill development will “contribute to the rejuvenation of this part of the City and deliver a new residential neighbourhood of an appropriate scale.”

It’s another helping of positive news for the northside following the major refurbishment of the local shopping centre. Over €2.5 million was spent on the upgrade to the Blackpool Shopping Centre, which is home to 60 businesses supporting almost 2,000 jobs

There has been a “comprehensive” upgrade to the building’s centre, and it forms part of a long-term plan to attract new retailers and customers.

The project marks a “significant new chapter” for the location as big developments are underway for the Northside – including a new train station to be built right next to the popular retail hub.