Volume 1 Written Statement

x
Volume One: Written Statement
Table 4.2 Metropolitan Cork Retail Floorspace Potential
Retail Type Sq m (2022)
Convenience 43,173
4
Comparison 104,439
Bulky Goods / Retail Warehousing 57,555
4.26 The figures set out in Table 4.2 do not include “pipeline” floorspace i.e. permitted floorspace that is
not constructed at this time. In light of economic conditions it should be recognised that any
implementation of such permissions may be on a reduced scale from that originally approved, and/ or
on a phased basis. However, it will be important that both “vacancies” and “commitments” are
considered on a case-by-case basis when considering future applications for significant retail
floorspace. Given the potential to extend the duration of permissions, existing commitments have added
weight and importance when assessing new applications. Furthermore, the nature and commercial
viability of pipeline floorspace should be considered when assessing applications for significant retail
developments, having regard to the role and function of the respective centre.
Core Retail Areas
4.27 It is important that new retail development occurs at the correct scale and in the right locations. The
City Centre and the District Centres are the preferred locations for significant new retail development
within the city.
4.28 It is important to develop and maintain a compact core where retail and commercial uses are close
enough to each other to benefit from each other’s pedestrian flows and to maintain their role. New
development should enhance their attractiveness and safety for pedestrians and reinforce the diversity
of uses throughout the day and evening.
4.29 The City Centre Core Retail Area is defined in the land-use zoning map, (Map 1 Volume 2) and this is
there is significant capacity within it for further development and expansion of retailing. The existing
District Centres have sufficient capacity within the zoned lands for expansion to meet the needs of the
retail strategy, if more efficiently used. (Where the core area of the district centre is not defined it is
taken as being the footprint of the existing shopping centre building.)
Objective 4.8 Core Retail Areas
Core retail areas are the preferred location for new retail development. Consideration of new retail development
outside of the core retail areas will be guided by the provisions of the Retail Planning Guidelines and the
objectives of the City Development Plan.
Distribution of Retail Floorspace
4.30 The retail hierarchy set out in Table 4.1 determines the distribution of future floorspace, having regard
to the settlement strategy set out in the Cork Area Strategic Plan.
44 Draft Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021