A well-known Cork pizza chain has submitted plans to transform one of the city centre’s most neglected streets. Oak Fire Pizza is hoping to open a new location on Castle Street. The owners of the award-winning pizza restaurant have applied to Cork City Council for a new “sandwich bar” style restaurant at a former retail unit at Number 19 Castle Street. The unit has been vacant for years, previously a computer repair shop, and on a street which is well overdue some TLC.
There are a number of vacant units falling into serious dereliction on a street linking two of the city’s main thoroughfares: North Main Street and Grand Parade. And it’s the first planning application for the street since 2024. Oak Fire Pizza’s proposal for a new sandwich spot shows a glimmer of hope for the area, which, despite the empty shops, is home to loved and thriving businesses, including the Gloria Jeans café and the recently expanded Sonflour restaurant.
Castle Street is also home to three of the numerous Mannix clothing stores, a legacy Cork retail business which closed last year after almost a century in the city. The shops are now up for sale, with hopes of further regeneration under new owners. Other properties sitting empty for some time include the former Popsicle dessert shop, the former Stephen Gleeson Jewellers and the former Positively Vintage shop.
In March 2025, the planning board rejected an appeal for a huge multi-property refurbishment project on the street, as the proposal would “seriously injure the vitality and viability” of Cork city centre. An Bord Pleanála (now An Coimisiún Pleanála) said a proposal to amalgamate a number of historic retail properties and convert them into a large betting shop with overhead apartments would have a “negative visual impact.”
Holren Properties Ltd had proposed a major project to transform Castle Street, Paradise Place and South Main Street, including the former Catholic Young Men’s Society hall. Its plans included an extended betting shop and the development of 6 new one-bedroom apartments, 1 studio apartment and 3 one-bedroom apartments on the upper floors.
The former Catholic Young Men’s Society hall above the shops on Castle Street is a Protected Structure which dates back to the 1870s. Also on Castle Street is the historic ‘Drummy’s’ property and three more former townhouses, built in the 1830s.
Key Details About the Proposed Development
- Location: Number 19 Castle Street, Cork City
- Type of Business: New “sandwich bar” style restaurant
- Previous Use: Former retail unit, previously a computer repair shop
- Vacant Units: Several on Castle Street, including the former Popsicle dessert shop, Stephen Gleeson Jewellers, and Positively Vintage shop
- Historic Structures: The former Catholic Young Men’s Society hall, ‘Drummy’s’ property, and three 1830s townhouses
Previous Planning Application Rejected
In March 2025, a major redevelopment plan was turned down by the planning board. The proposal involved converting several historic retail properties into a large betting shop with apartments above. The decision was made because the plan was seen as potentially harming the vitality of Cork city centre. The board expressed concerns about the negative visual impact of such a development.
Future Prospects for Castle Street
Despite the challenges, there is hope for Castle Street. Oak Fire Pizza’s application signals a positive step towards revitalizing the area. The presence of thriving businesses like Gloria Jeans and Sonflour shows that the street still has potential. The closure of Mannix clothing stores has opened the door for new owners to bring fresh energy and investment to the area.
Other properties, such as the former Popsicle dessert shop and Stephen Gleeson Jewellers, remain vacant but could be redeveloped in the future. The historic buildings on Castle Street, including the Catholic Young Men’s Society hall and Drummy’s property, add to the area’s charm and cultural significance.
Challenges Ahead
While there are signs of progress, Castle Street still faces significant challenges. The lack of investment and the presence of derelict buildings have contributed to its decline. However, with the right initiatives and support, the street could see a revival that benefits both residents and visitors.
The upcoming planning application from Oak Fire Pizza offers a glimpse of what could be possible. If successful, it could serve as a catalyst for further development and regeneration along Castle Street. The community will be watching closely to see if this is the start of a broader transformation for the area.
