UCC Halts CUBS Building Project to Explore Available Lands for Housing Opportunities
University College Cork (UCC) is reviewing its land holdings to determine potential sites for housing development. This action is in response to the National Planning Framework’s (NPF) recent call for additional residential lands from Cork City Council. UCC is among 119 applicants exploring opportunities to accelerate housing delivery in the area.
Housing Opportunities in Cork
The applications submitted this month cover both city core and fringe areas. Prominent developers such as Cairn Homes and JCD Group have applied for various tracts of land across the city. UCC’s application indicates it will examine parts of its extensive estate that may be surplus to requirements for potential housing use.
UCC’s Land and Employment
- UCC employs over 3,000 people.
- The university owns approximately 86 hectares of land.
- It has more than three million square feet of built structures across around 150 buildings.
Key locations include Curraheen, North Mall, and the city center. This review will help UCC align its land assets with community housing needs.
Cork University Business School (CUBS) Update
UCC is also reassessing its capital projects, including the Cork University Business School (CUBS) on Copley Street. The project, acquired in 2019 for over €17 million, is estimated to cost approximately €106 million, with plans for it to support 4,000 students and over 300 staff.
Current Status of CUBS
As of now, construction has yet to commence, and questions have arisen regarding the progress of this significant project. A spokesperson for UCC confirmed that the university is finalizing plans for its Capital Projects. This assessment will take into account recent increases in construction costs and shifts in higher education delivery.
- Estimated cost of CUBS: €106 million – €115 million.
- Planned size: 160,000 sq ft.
- Construction slated for: 2024.
UCC aims to provide an update on the Cork University Business School in the New Year, reiterating its commitment to the development of this vital facility. The ongoing review and planning demonstrate UCC’s proactive approach to shaping both educational and housing landscapes in Cork.
