Cork City Docklands stands as Ireland’s most extensive regeneration initiative, encompassing 147 hectares of land to be developed across both the north and south docks of the River Lee. PUNCH Consulting Engineers, in collaboration with Hawkins Brown Architects, provided master planning services for Cork City Council.

The Masterplan aims to create a sustainable neighbourhood in the heart of Cork City, emphasising placemaking with people-focused streets and spaces. This development is envisioned as an extension of Cork City Centre, serving as a key hub for the city’s economic, cultural, educational, commercial, civic, and social vibrancy. The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, intending to establish a green lung for the city that optimises the River Lee’s use, alongside integrating green and blue infrastructure and nature-based drainage solutions within public realms and transport corridors.

PUNCH was actively involved in the setting of the design principles of the quay wall restorations and rehabilitation, which includes both structural and conservation elements. A crucial aspect of the project is flood defence design, which aims to integrate with the public realm, ensuring access to the River Lee while protecting the historic quay walls. PUNCH has collaborated closely with landscape architectural and conservation teams on this component.

Transport planning and corridor design, led by PUNCH, includes the construction of three new bridge crossings over the River Lee. This aspect has involved extensive stakeholder engagement and the integration of multiple projects running concurrently, such as the preferred route selection for the light rail transit (LRT) through the docklands, bus connectivity initiatives, and active travel projects.

A significant element of the master planning involves the development of infrastructure funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which covers roads, bridges, public spaces, flood defences, and facilities for sports, recreation, and community use. The master planning team has conducted a Demand Analysis and Infrastructure Phasing Strategy, with PUNCH taking a leading role to support the business case for the URDF funding application.

The Masterplan is now completed with its outputs to be adapted into the Cork City Development Plan (2022-2028) as an amendment through the inclusion of a Cork Docklands Framework Plan.