Premier Inn Eyes Second Cork Hotel Development
Whitbread PLC, the UK-based hotel giant behind the popular Premier Inn brand, has lodged plans with Cork City Council for a brand-new 173-bedroom hotel. The proposed development, located on the corner of MacCurtain St and Brian Boru St, would occupy the former Leisureplex entertainment complex site.
Redevelopment Plans
The proposed hotel, similar in height, scale, and character to previously permitted development, incorporates a unique design feature: a splayed entrance mirroring the iconic Coliseum cinema building.
The structure itself will comprise one-, five-, and seven-storey buildings. Ground floor space will house a restaurant, public bar, and reception area. Notably, the existing facade of the former postal sorting office on the site will be preserved, repaired, and integrated into the new design.
A decision from Cork City Council on the planning application is expected by December 12th.
### Location and Commitment
Matt Gent, Development Manager for Whitbread in Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the project:
>”We opened a new Premier Inn at Morrison’s Quay in Cork in January 2024 and quickly secured our second development opportunity to the east of the city centre a month after.
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>The site we acquired, which is currently occupied by the Leisureplex entertainment complex, is a fantastic location for a hotel, given its central location, public transport connections, and many businesses and amenities located in the vicinity.
>I’m proud of the proposed development we have submitted for planning, and I am certain our second hotel in Cork will trade well and will make a positive long-term contribution to the city.”
Whitbread currently operates six hotels across Ireland, boasting over 1,000 guest bedrooms. The company sees significant potential for growth, aiming to expand to 5,000 Premier Inn rooms throughout Ireland.
Adding to its commitment to sustainability, Whitbread’s Cork hotel will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources, aligning with their goal of achieving net-zero direct emissions by 2040 (scopes 1 and 2).
### Stay Informed
Keep an eye out for updates on the planning decision and future developments for this exciting new Premier Inn location in Cork.