Cork Convent Set for Transformation into Domestic Violence Refuge

A former convent in Cork is set to be transformed into a new Domestic Violence Refuge, providing essential support for vulnerable women, children, and families. The historic site, located on Evergreen Road in Turners Cross, is being renovated and expanded to accommodate a total of 52 apartments as part of a broader development proposal from Cork City Council.

The plan involves refurbishing the old Christ King Presentation Convent, which dates back to the 1930s, and constructing two new four-storey residential blocks. This development aims to address the urgent need for refuge accommodation in the area. Currently unoccupied, the convent building and its grounds have been identified as a suitable location for this vital service.

Proposed Development Details

In September 2025, an Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment was conducted on the 0.69-hectare site, which includes the convent building listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. The Presentation Sisters, the religious order that founded the convent, have requested that the building serve a social purpose, specifically to provide accommodation for those affected by domestic violence.

The proposed redevelopment will involve the demolition of certain parts of the existing property, alongside the renovation and extension of the convent. The new Domestic Violence Refuge will feature support services accommodation, comprising nine one-bedroom apartments and eleven studio flats. The overall design aims to integrate the historic aspects of the convent while providing modern facilities for its future residents.

Community Impact and Historical Significance

The site is currently zoned for Sustainable Residential Neighbourhoods, which aligns with the council’s vision for community-focused development. According to the assessment, the redevelopment will restore the convent to “sustained and beneficial use” for the community, enhancing local support services.

The Presentation Sisters were established in Cork in 1775 by Nano Nagle. The convent in Turners Cross was built in the 1930s, following the completion of the Christ the King Church in 1931, a structure recognized for its architectural significance in Ireland. Nearby, Bunscoil Chríost Rí, a school constructed in the mid-1940s, remains operational, further highlighting the area’s ongoing community relevance.

Cork City Council has opened a portal for public submissions and observations regarding the proposed development. Interested parties can share their views in writing or online, ensuring community engagement in this important project.

This initiative not only aims to repurpose a historically significant building but also to provide a crucial lifeline for those experiencing domestic violence, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility and community support.