The demolition of the iconic R & H Hall grain silos is underway as part of a multi-million euro regeneration project in Cork city’s docklands.
The grain store, including the silos which are over 30m high, was built between the mid-1930s and the 1950s and is a landmark on the city skyline.
Established in Cork in 1839, R & H Hall is today among Ireland’s biggest importers and suppliers of animal feed ingredients for feed manufacturing.
The company, bought by the IAWS group in 1990, currently imports ingredients from over twenty countries through its deep-water port facilities in Belfast, Dublin, Ringaskiddy and Foynes.
Cork
In July 2022, Cork City Council granted planning permission to developers O’Callaghan Properties for the regeneration project on the south docklands, subject to almost 50 conditions.
This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by Southern Milling Limited, but the appeal was withdrawn last May, clearing the way for the development to proceed.
The mixed-use development over almost 1.5ha comprises four new buildings, ranging in height from 9 to 12 storeys, along with the conversion of the former Odlum’s building, which is a protected structure.
When complete, the development will include apartments, office and retail space and a 130-bed rehabilitation hospital.
The site is bounded by Kennedy Quay to the north, Marina Walk to the south, Victoria Road to the west and Mill Road to the east.
Grain silos
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy told Agriland that the demolition of the R & H Hall grain silos marks the end of an era for the city.
However, he added that the regeneration of Cork South Docklands is “always welcome”.
“Unfortunately for the R & H grain silos the case was made by the developer that it was impossible to regenerate them or put another use on them because they’re built from the inside out.
“The proposal was pitched to take them down because they can’t be used and it has gone through the proper planning processes,” he said.
The process of demolishing the silos has sparked huge local interest, with former dockers also returning to visit the site.
“The building itself was built in the 1930s with best practice design for grain silos at that particular point in time.
“It’s interesting as they’re taking it down, you can see the amount of steel and concrete that actually was used,” Cllr. McCarthy said.
When the building first opened it received extensive media coverage as Cllr. McCarthy said it showcased “the prowess of early Irish Free State”.
As part of the development archaeologist, lecturer and author Dr. Colin Rynne from University College Cork (UCC) has been employed to carefully examine the old buildings and catalogue the contents.
“It’s hoped that some sort of sculptural piece will emerge from some of the key machinery that has been taken out from the R & H Hall buildings and be put on the quayside,” Cllr. McCarthy said.
The signage has also been removed and placed in storage by the developer until a decision is made on its future.
“They are such landmark buildings, it is very much the end of an era, but the start of a new era for Cork.
“There’s multi-million euro investment into the city at the moment by central government and large companies.
“We’re very excited about the project, but for me, it’s very important to remember where we’re from and the stories that underpin as well,” he added.