The development comprises 47 new homes on a brownfield site in the Cork suburb of Knocknaheeny, with a range of dwellings including 32 two- and three-storey houses and 15 apartments split across five standalone, three-storey buildings – each home with its own individual entrance and external space. 

Major investment

The new social homes form part of Cork’s Northwest Quarter Regeneration project; a major investment by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government that will see 450 houses in Cork’s northwest area replaced by 656 new housing units and communal facilities such as local parks, a primary care centre and a library.

At the start of the project, Atkins provided civil and structural engineering expertise to the Housing Agency and Cork City Council, to develop a masterplan and design code for the overall Northwest Quarter site.

Martin O’Sullivan, project manager for the Phase 2A development, Atkins, said: “We’re delighted to have supported the successful delivery of this project for Cork City Council, revitalising the area and providing new homes for the local community.”  

Mairead Power, senior executive architect, Cork City Council, said: “Atkins’ competence and expertise were of great benefit to this contract – Atkins was instrumental in the successful delivery of this challenging project."

Atkins delivered the project from concept through to its handover providing civil and structural engineering expertise, in addition to the design of mechanical and electrical services within the homes and provision of Assigned Certifier services.

Work also included the construction of 1km of new roadway; realignment of 1km of existing carriageway; utility diversions; new water drainage infrastructure; and the installation of new water mains and utilities.

Atkins has worked on a range of residential developments in Ireland, with recent projects including the Belcamp Rapid Design and Build Project for Dublin City Council and the Kilternan Strategic Housing Development.