Dubbed Mahon 2.0, planning permission was lodged with Cork City Council in July by Deka Immobilien for the mixed-use development.
The plans would see the construction of 251 apartments, an office block for up to 580 workers, a new civic plaza/market square for gatherings such as the weekly farmers markets, a multi-storey car park, a discount retailer, and eight to 10 additional “bigger box” shops.
The large retail unit could suit major outlets such as sports retailer Decathlon, which has been scouting out for a Cork location.
As part of planning documents submitted to the council, PMCA Economic Consulting estimated the economic impact of the development to be €3.1bn over a 25-year period.
It said the applicant envisaged construction starting in the second half of next year and completion of the development in mid-2029.
The report estimates that during the construction phase, 939 jobs will be created through direct, indirect, and induced impact.
During the operational phase, 4,374 jobs are estimated to be created under the same headings.
A separate report on the development’s social impact said that Mahon Point was positioned as a “catalyst for sustainable growth, community resilience and environmental responsibility”.
“It outlines a roadmap for delivering a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking space that will enhance the well-being of Cork residents while contributing to the city’s broader development goals,” it said.
Deka originally acquired the 60-unit shopping centre in Mahon with cinema and restaurants from Irish developer Owen O’Callaghan in 2005 and now have €1.5bn in Irish assets.
“By placing homes, sustainable transport, and civic amenities at the core of this [new] vision, we hope to create a new chapter in Cork’s growth that reflects community values as much as economic ambition,” Mahon Point centre director Justin Young said, prior to the planning bid being lodged.
However, Cork City Council has issued a request for further information to Deka before it can proceed with approving the plans.
“The development has the potential to transform Mahon Point into an exemplary new urban centre,” it said.
“While the principle of the proposed development is considered acceptable, the planning authority has concerns in relation to elements of the proposed development, including the scope of the retail impact assessment, traffic and transport impacts, permeability and connectivity to the wider Mahon area, and some elements of the architectural design approach.”
It outlined in detail the information it must receive from Deka before it can make a decision on whether to grant permission for the development.