Decision, Design & Competition The absence of a City Hall was felt keenly by the newly elected 1929 Council and shared by many Corkonians. Given the historic connections of the City Hall with the national war of independence, particularly the ultimate sacrifice made by the City’s first republican Lord Mayors, Tomás MacCurtain and Terence MacSwiney, it was felt that the second city of the Republic deserved a proper civic building befitting its proud traditions.
Lord Mayor Sean French stated at a meeting of the Council that ‘It was a disgrace to Cork that their city should be without a suitable hall…and that the Government of their country ought to appreciate the services of men in Cork when fighting had to be done for their country…and that they should erect a City Hall that would be worthy of them…’
Back in 1923, following detailed specifications compiled by the City Engineer with the approval of the Corporation, a competition was held for the rebuilding the City Hall. In all 13 designs were received. The successful design adopted by the Council on 11 July 1923 was by Messrs. Jones and Kelly, Architects, Dublin. That was where the matter lay until the newly re-established Council, in March 1929, in one of its first major decisions, re-established the special committee for rebuilding a new City Hall. On 23 April 1929, this committee reported back its decisions and recommendations to Council that the erection of the building should commence at once, and that the design by the original prize winners of the 1923 competition, Jones and Kelly Architects, would be used. Philip Monahan, now in position as the first City Manager, used his considerable influence and abilities to insure proper funding for the building, while maintaining funding for various other capital projects in the City, such as massive investment in public housing, a new School of Commerce, and the new swimming baths at Victoria Cross. ‘…The arrangements of the various departments has been carefully studied…The Council Chamber, of good proportions, is admirably situated….the whole of the rooms, stairs and corridors, are splendidly lit… The elevations, of good classical character- though simple and relatively inexpensive- are of good proportion and detail, and should make an imposing and dignified building, eminently suited to the site and the surroundings…’ (Report to Council by Lucius O’Callaghan, Assessor on the design by Jones and Kelly Architects, 1923)
Council Minute Book. City Engineer’s report to Council with recommendations concerning the rebuilding of City Hall (1923)
Extracts of design drawings submitted by Jones and Kelly Architects, 1923.
Notice of Competition for Design of new City Hall, June 1923.
Council Minutes, October 1924, recording borrowing towards a new City Hall and other projects
Design Specifications and Conditions, approved by Council, 1923
Council Minutes, 23 April 1929, recording recommendations of the Special Committee for rebuilding City Hall.
Competition Assessor’s Report to Council, 1924, recommending design by Jones and Kelly Architects.
Newsclipping, Feb. 1931- Cork Workers’ Council calling for early start to building of City Hall in order to provide much needed employment.
Powered by FlippingBook