Cork’s thriving Marina Market is throwing its hat into the ring for a multi-million dollar state aid package aimed at bringing a world-class event and conference center to the city.
The market has assembled a dedicated team and is collaborating with a leading architectural firm to launch an international design competition. The ambitious project envisions a 5,000-seat conference space, a 100-bed hotel, and a gallery, all centered around their existing south docklands location.
“We have asked the architects to look to developments such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Guggenheim Bilbao for inspiration,” a spokesperson for the Marina Market said.
“We see the proposed gallery as being easily accessible and designed to integrate with the conference space.The marina Market has proved that innovative solutions at a reasonable capital cost can deliver a vibrant cultural space while simultaneously occurring supporting small local businesses. The next phase of this exciting journey is the delivery of a world-class exhibition space that meets Cork’s growing ambition in the heart of the docklands. It is indeed time to deliver this project for Cork, and we want to be part of the process of making it a reality.”
This proclamation comes as the government accelerates the retendering process for an expanded state aid package for a multi-functional event and conference venue in Cork.
The criteria for this new package remain unclear,and it’s uncertain whether the Marina Market’s proposal will qualify.
Currently, BAM, which secured a tender in 2014 for approximately $20 million in state funding, and operators Live Nation, hold planning permission for a 5,000-capacity venue on the former Beamish and crawford site on south Main Street.
Despite a ceremonial groundbreaking by former Taoiseach enda Kenny just weeks before the 2016 general election, the project has been plagued by delays, redesigns, and escalating costs. Not a single brick has been laid.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the government increased pledged state aid to around $57 million. However, detailed design work revealed a significant cost overrun, necessitating an additional $30 million in state funding.
Due to the significant changes in the funding model, legal counsel advised the government to retender the project in October, opting for a streamlined process to ensure compliance with EU procurement laws.
Initially, it was anticipated that BAM and Live Nation would be the sole participants in the retendering process. Though, the Marina Market’s entry now adds another contender to the mix.
The Marina Market, owned by property investment firm Urban Green Private, founded by Tom Coughlan, defied the odds by opening without planning permission during the pandemic in a vacant warehouse at Centre park Road. It quickly became a resounding success.
The market finally secured planning permission last year, guaranteeing its presence on the site for at least the next five years.
Urban Green’s portfolio includes prominent shopping centers such as Douglas Village Shopping Centre, Castletroy Shopping Centre in Limerick, Shannon Town Centre, and Bridgewater Shopping Centre in Arklow, County Wicklow.
## Cork’s Marina Market Aims for ‘World-Class’ Expansion
**World Today News Expert Interview:**
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re joined by [Name], spokesperson for Cork’s Marina Market, to discuss their ambitious plans for a major expansion project. Welcome, [Name].
**[Name]:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** the Marina Market has already established itself as a vibrant hub for Cork. Can you tell us more about this new proposal and what it entails?
**[name]:** Absolutely! We’re incredibly excited about this project. We envision a multi-faceted growth centered around our existing south docklands location, encompassing a 5,000-seat conference space, a 100-bed hotel, and a world-class gallery.
**Interviewer:** These are bold aspirations. What inspired this vision?
**[Name]:** Cork is a city on the rise, bursting with cultural and economic potential.We believe this development will significantly contribute to that growth. Think of iconic destinations like the Center pompidou in Paris and the Guggenheim Bilbao. These are the types of spaces that inspire us, spaces that combine functionality with striking architecture and contribute to a city’s identity.
**interviewer]:** How will this project complement the existing Marina Market?
**[Name]:** The success of the Marina Market proves that innovative solutions focusing on community and local businesses can create vibrant cultural spaces.We’re committed to maintaining this ethos, ensuring the new development seamlessly integrates with the existing market, fostering a dynamic and welcoming habitat for everyone.
**Interviewer:** What is the next step for this project?
**[Name]:** We’ve assembled a dedicated team and are collaborating with a leading architectural firm to launch an international design competition.We believe this open approach will attract the best talent and ensure a truly unique and inspiring design for cork.
**Interviewer:** This sounds like a meaningful investment. What kind of support are you seeking?
**[Name]:** We are actively pursuing a multi-million dollar state aid package to bring this vision to life. We firmly believe that this project will benefit not onyl the local community but also attract national and international visitors, contributing to Cork’s economy and reputation as a culturally vibrant city.
**interviewer:** what message do you have for Cork residents and potential investors?
**[Name]:** We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey. Let’s work together to deliver a world-class exhibition space that meets Cork’s growing ambitions, showcases the creativity of our city, and creates a legacy for generations to come.
**Interviewer:** [Name], thank you for sharing your insights and vision with us today. we eagerly anticipate seeing this project come to fruition.
