The Evening Echo has published an article relating to the proposed mixed-use scheme at the Square Deal site at Washington Street West in Cork City, which includes student accommodation (242 No. bedspaces), café use and co-working space. Thornton O’Connor Town Planning are the agents for the application. A copy of the article is provide below:
The location of the site is ideally suited to student accommodation which will provide student living in the heart of the city with ease of access to educational institutions and the variety of retail and commercial facilities in Cork City. The café proposed at ground floor level in the Protected Structure to be retained will ensure that this key historic building is unlocked to the public allowing its internal fabric to be fully appreciated. The co-working space, also at ground floor level, which includes an associated café/bar and meeting rooms will provide an exciting and innovative commercial concept in the centre of the city. The development with the 3 No. proposed uses will collectively result in a significant increase in activity and a new vibrancy at the subject location. The development will also have a significant positive streetscape impact by restoring the 19th-century two- and three-storey redbrick Protected Structure facing Washington Street West to its original presentation befitting of its historical and architectural importance. Importantly, the development will assist in meeting the critical demand for purpose built student accommodation in Cork City.