The re-development of the former Good Shepherd Convent in Cork as a high quality, sustainable residential development aims at preserving and securing the site’s architectural and cultural heritage as well as its landscape setting. It provides a unique and highly specific living environment which will bring new energy and vitality to this part of the city, and meet the current sustainable planning objectives for the area.

The design considers the unique characteristics of its context including its historical and social context, architectural and cultural heritage, its previous planning history and the concerns of residents. In this regard, the development aims to be a provide greatly needed residential accommodation in an area that has suffered from depopulation and neglect in recent decades.

All the existing buildings of historical significance are to be retained, refurbished and incorporated into the overall scheme, these include the Gate Lodge, Home Building, Convent Building, Orphanage and Bake House buildings. New buildings are to be constructed on the main terrace to the north of the site, alongside the three main existing buildings, with smaller scaled buildings constructed to east and the southern part of the site.

The project includes a mix of 1-bed to 4-bed apartments and houses, distributed in buildings ranging in heights from 3 to 5 storeys. Social housing provision is included on site and 20no units of various sizes form part of the development. In excess of 90% of the apartments are double aspect and all single aspect apartments are south facing. The vast majority of the units have south-facing living room and south-facing private amenity areas.

Car parking is provided predominantly at grade, in the undercroft of buildings, making use of the significant slope across the site.

The Design Proposal is premised on the following design strategy:

  • Retention, refurbishment and re-use of the existing George Ashlin designed buildings.
  • Development in the northern part of the site which is concentrated to the sides and rear of the three main existing buildings.
  • Development to the southern part of the site in a manner which respects the primacy of the existing buildings and the Landscape Protection Zone.
  • Develop an appropriate landscape response which respects and enhances the site’s unique characteristics for the enjoyment of residents and for the benefit of the wider area.