January 15, 2026 News
All updates
News · June 18, 2025
Re-imagining the River Lee: unveiling our vision for Cork’s North Docks!
Together with Cork City Council and O’Connor Sutton Cronin, we are reimagining the public spaces of Cork North Docks! Our proposal – part of the wider Docklands plan – envisions the River Lee as a vibrant public space that reconnects northern communities. By relocating the riverside road, the plan creates an accessible, high-quality quayside for recreation and connection.
Cork City aims to be a world-class, inclusive, and sustainable city, with a Strategic Vision centred on regional growth, diversity, and quality of life. The design is part of “Project Ireland 2040”, the government’s long-term strategy to make Ireland “a better country for all and to build a more resilient and sustainable future”.
A vision built on three core pillars
resilience and sustainability, by prioritizing the environment, people, and community well-being through sustainable design principles;
liveability and accessibility, by creating a welcoming space for all ages and abilities to live, play, and engage;
cultural identity, by celebrating Cork’s maritime and industrial heritage with a strong local character.
The vision aims to deliver an integrated public realm design along the riverfront by relocating the road away from the water’s edge
Transformation of the North Docks: illustrative site layout
Existing situation (by Cork City Council, April 2025)
Sustainable North Docks
By greening the North Docks, we create a new urban habitat where people and nature thrive together. The Green Spine will connect the east and west, supporting recreation, culture, and community, while boosting biodiversity.
The water-sensitive design uses flood prevention, rainwater buffering, temporary storage, and delayed discharge to manage runoff and enhance the water experience.
A distinct “Cork feel”, liveable and accessible to all
The design promotes a balanced, sustainable public realm by reducing car reliance and prioritizing walking, cycling, and public transport. A planned network of public spaces enhances connectivity and safety, encouraging active streetscapes, vibrant social areas, and a stronger community experience.
By creating inviting access points and promoting recreational opportunities on the River Lee, we can foster a deeper appreciation for Cork’s maritime heritage, while celebrating the unique character of the waterfront. Our initiative aims to establish public access to the river, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in its rich history and vibrant environment.
A vibrant destination
The North Docks will be a liveable, inclusive, and accessible destination — a place to stay, play and meet for people of all ages and abilities, 24/7.
The network of public spaces is designed to provide a coherent character across the North Docks as a whole, signified by high-quality, multi-functional, and contextual spaces that are open and accessible for people from all walks of life and provide a varied and vibrant range of activities.
A diverse range of programs will be provided along the whole project area, creating an inviting environment and a place to stay for residents and daily visitors. Moreover, each area is intentionally oriented toward the river Lee, emphasizing the area’s unique character.
Cork City Council has launched a public consultation on the proposals for anyone who wants to share opinions or observations, a key initiative that will further drive the ongoing redevelopment momentum in the city’s Docklands. Submissions are open online here or in person at City Hall, until the first week of August.
