Evolving Cork: Embracing our heritage while innovating for the future

As Cork’s urban spaces evolve, it finds itself at a juncture of continuity and innovation. The gradual shift of humanity toward urban centres brings both promise and challenge, urging us to balance progress with respect for our roots.

In the aftermath of global disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic, Cork has witnessed subtle yet significant changes. Among the buzz of activity, murmurs of discontent have surfaced, stories of neglected storefronts and concerns about anti-social behaviour. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s a chorus calling for improvement, a desire for a future marked by harmony, community, and sustainability.

Fortunately, the path to this brighter future isn’t a distant dream but a tangible journey, paved by the strides of visionaries at home and abroad. There is much we can do and much that is already being done elsewhere to evolve our urban spaces to better cater to the population and ensure Cork remains attractive on a global scale.

Urban planning thinks big, urban design thinks small

In May, we attended the two-day Academy of Urbanism conference, “Lifelong Neighbourhoods: Planning, Designing, and Delivering the 21st Century Neighbourhood,” where we explored innovative solutions and ideas from the streets of Europe to the emerging Irish urban planning and design approaches. The conference emphasised the importance of creating inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant urban environments that prioritise residents’ well-being.

Here, discussions on digitalisation and three-dimensional spatial planning revealed opportunities for innovation. Cllr. Philippa Slatter from Cambridge introduced the concept of four-dimensional (4D) planning, emphasising the importance of “Invisible Infrastructure” like healthcare, schools, and social networks into urban design. In Trumpington, for example, temporary spaces such as portacabins and vacant shops have blossomed into thriving community hubs. Slatter stressed that public spaces and green areas should be developed early to foster stronger communities, reminding us that while urban planning thinks big, urban design attends to the finer details of human connection.

Another significant discussion was the “UN-Habitat Guide to Sustainable Urban Spaces,” which provides a roadmap for urban life highlighting five key pillars: Compact City, Connected City, Inclusive City, Vibrant City, and Resilient City. This guide aims to help urban actors collaborate and design local solutions to improve the quality of life. These principles echo Cork’s aspirations, emphasising the importance of compact, liveable growth and the promise of the 15-minute city.

Drawing inspiration from Arno Goossens’ insights from Gemeente Amersfoort, the European City of the Year 2023, we uncover the transformative essence of renewal. In the aftermath of World War II, as the city grappled with burgeoning population challenges like obesity and social isolation, a revolutionary concept emerged—the “Healthy Living Together” framework. This visionary initiative breathed life into the urban landscape through the creation of vibrant “life veins,” nurturing physical activity and social cohesion while curbing car dependency, thereby fostering a culture of walking and cycling. Goossens attributed the resounding success of Amersfoort’s revitalisation to three guiding principles: autonomy, a relentless bias for action, and unwavering continuity. These pillars, rooted in public support and collaborative effort, became the cornerstones of the city’s metamorphosis.

Yet, amid progress, there was a note of frustration throughout the conference—a recognition of the slow pace of change. Alan Esslemont, Director General of TG4, encapsulated this sentiment by quoting Bruce Springsteen, “Talk about a dream, try to make it real.”’

In Cork, these multifaceted learnings resonate deeply, offering a mosaic of insights for profound transformation.

What does the future hold for Cork?

Turning our gaze to Cork, we find a city pulsating with history, heritage and pride – a canvas waiting for our collective vision.

Reflecting on these insights, Cork has the potential to adopt similar strategies to evolve its urban spaces. Embracing our multicultural offering through public events, art installations, and inclusive community programmes can foster a sense of belonging and community cohesion. Business and political leaders should champion diversity, equality, and inclusion, actively promoting anti-racism.

Delivering vibrant urban centres is crucial for Cork’s economic and social vitality. Innovative solutions to enabling above-shop living can better utilise our urban centre and make city-centre living a reality. The €350 million Docklands regeneration project is a significant step towards this goal, creating a sustainable neighbourhood with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces designed to foster a high quality of life.

The Beamish and Crawford Quarter redevelopment will enhance the public realm with new pedestrian and cycle bridges, improved streetscapes, and the restoration of heritage lights. These changes will create a pedestrianfriendly and aesthetically pleasing environment, encouraging foot traffic and supporting local businesses. Similarly, the Marina Promenade project will enhance Cork’s waterfront, providing a scenic and accessible space for residents and visitors to gather and be active.

Through these developments, Cork has an opportunity to not only enhance its waterfront but also embrace its rich heritage. Historically, our waterfronts have been neglected, often turned away from instead of embraced. However, by revitalising these spaces, Cork can reclaim its historical connection to the water while creating vibrant, accessible areas for its residents and visitors, bridging the gap between heritage and modernity. The eagerly awaited flood relief schemes and public realm works throughout the city will allow us to look into our riverfront without the fear of the power it holds.

When all the necessary stakeholders unite around a common a vision, remarkable achievements can unfold. The transformation of MacCurtain Street and the wider Victorian Quarter stand as living testaments to the transformative power of coordinated urban development. These revitalised spaces have breathed new life into Cork’s urban landscape. Likewise, initiatives like the “Open Streets” events, occurring throughout the summer months, promote sustainable transportation and community engagement, offering traffic-free streets filled with lively performances and activities that invigorate the sense of community.

As Cork transitions to a more sustainable economy and aims to be one of the EU’s 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030 innovative cross-cutting projects and initiatives like these will become indispensable pillars of our region’s offering to investors.

As Cork transitions to a more sustainable economy and aims to be one of the EU’s 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030 innovative cross-cutting projects and initiatives like these will become indispensable pillars of our region’s offering to investors.

Continually evolving Cork’s urban spaces demands collaboration, visionary planning, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Drawing from the rich tapestry of insights gathered from diverse corners of the globe, from the visionary four-dimensional planning concepts to the guiding principles outlined in the UN Guide to Sustainable Urban Spaces, Cork can synthesise these approaches into a cohesive vision. Just as Amersfoort embraced autonomy, proactive action, and continuity, Cork can weave a narrative of vibrant communities and sustainable urban spaces.

The future for Cork is bright.

By leveraging existing structures and networks, and with continued investment and collaborative effort it can become a model for sustainable urban development.