JCA Architects in Cork have been selected to prepare a Masterplan for the Future Use, Conservation and Restoration in Camden Fort Meagher.

Located on a 45 acre site of natural beauty with extensive ocean views, Camden Fort Meagher comprises a sizeable number of buildings and a vast underground infrastructure in various states of disrepair.

Cork County Coucil is aiming to create an attractive, sustainable and viable addition to the tourism and cultural infrastructure in Crosshaven and the Lower Harbour.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Séamus McGrath said: "I am delighted to be here to sign this contract for the delivery of a Masterplan which will identify how best to secure the future operational development of Camden Fort Meagher. This Masterplan will build on the wonderful work already completed by Cork County Council, the Volunteers and the wider Crosshaven community."

The Masterplan will:

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• Provide a framework Plan for determining the appropriate future use of the Fort while also prioritising redevelopment works.

• Identify the potential of how best to develop Camden Fort Meagher as an all year round sustainable business and tourism operation.

• Articulate a vision for the sustainable development of the Fort which would contribute to unlocking Cork Harbour’s potential as the maritime gateway to Europe and the Atlantic.

• Articulate a vision for a successful integration of Camden Fort Meagher Tourism Potential into the greater Cork Harbour Tourism and heritage offering associated with the defence of Cork Harbour.

• Recommend a management structure that will allow for appropriate management of the Fort, its buildings and artefacts and its potential future uses.

• Achieve successful integration between land uses at the Fort and land uses on the associated lands at Crosshaven, Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy, Haulbowline, Spike Island, Cobh and surrounding Harbour Area.

• Achieve co-ordination between existing and future land uses, including the development of Camden Fort Meagher as a workplace, a tourist destination, a community facility, a heritage centre, arts & cultural centre and a place to do business such as conferences and meetings etc.

• Take an innovative approach to the adaptation of the architectural / archaeological integrity of Camden Fort Meagher’s buildings and infrastructure including the Piers.

• Create a movement strategy to show ease of movement and good connectivity for pedestrians between buildings and create pedestrian centred spaces and movement routes both within Camden Fort Meagher and between the Fort itself and Crosshaven and the wider harbour areas including Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy Haulbowline, Spike Island, Cobh and Cork City.

(CD/MH)