The Irish Conservation and Heritage Group is to appeal to An Bord Pleanála over a decision by Cork City Council to grant conditional planning permission to transform the former Beamish and Crawford brewery site in the city into a multimillion-euro events centre.

The Dutch contractor Bam Group received planning approval for a €150 million development at the site on South Main Street in the city with Bam Contractors, and Heineken Ireland planning to develop a 6,000-seater centre which would include retail outlets, apartments, a viewing tower and two pedestrian bridges across the river Lee.

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However, while, the approval of planning on the site has been welcomed by, among others, Cork Business Association, Heineken Ireland and local businesses.

However, Heritage Group Chairman Damien Cassidy said its submissions had been ignored and the granting of planning permission for the development was a slap in the face for individuals who cared about Cork's heritage.

Heineken Ireland completed the takeover of former rival Beamish and Crawford in 2009.

It subsequently closed down its competitor's brewery, which was also based in the city, with the loss of 120 jobs.

(BMcC/GK)