In the late 1870s Cork had established itself as one of the first successful milling centres in Ireland to use the roller process, a more efficient system than the traditional stone milling techniques used up to that point. Many mills were constructed across the county allowing approximately 70,000 tons of wheat to be milled annually, and almost 90,000 tons of maize to be ground. A landmark mill and warehouse complex was built in 1892 on the South Docks in Cork City and became known as the Cork National Flour Mills.
With the creation of the Irish Free State, the government were keen to invest in industry to support the economy. The Cork Milling Company [a collection of several local milling firms] was formed and took over the Cork National Flour Mills site.
Designed by Cork architects Messrs Chillingworth and Levie, a more modern and capable mill was created and in September 1933 work began. Contractors were Messrs. John Sisk and Son and they were tasked with adapting the existing building. Supported on timber piles, the original walls were raised considerably and the floor area doubled. In order to ensure a substantial job, a steel framework was raised up within the main walls, each stanchion supported by a concrete pile. The new building was completed in 1934. This would mark the beginning of massive development on the South Docks.
Odlums
The Odlums brand is a household name here in Ireland. Milling and packing flour for over 170 years. Originally established in Portlaoise by the Odlum family in 1845, Odlums has been an integral part of Irish baking and cooking for generations.
This is what they want to turn it into as part of the redevelopment of the South Docks
Check this site out for full history of the South Docks and local area.
After moving to Ireland in late 2017 exploring as it had been before [for me] changed for a couple of years. Establishing a new life here meant i was more of a distant viewer of the tempting dereliction around my new location busy with other things. I scratched a few itches but not the persistent ones. I really started trying again around late 2019 and into 2020. By that time it seemed to me the exploring community had changed a bit around me so didn't really bother sharing much online. Every time I would drive into Cork city though the Odlums owl would stare me down, giving me the mad dogs and finally in early 2020 I hatched a plan and found myself inside. The familiar smell of an old flour mill is never enough it seems and I've found myself visiting regularly over the last few years. It remains unchanged inside and I would like it stay that way.
Canteen
Labratory
Continued....
With the creation of the Irish Free State, the government were keen to invest in industry to support the economy. The Cork Milling Company [a collection of several local milling firms] was formed and took over the Cork National Flour Mills site.
Designed by Cork architects Messrs Chillingworth and Levie, a more modern and capable mill was created and in September 1933 work began. Contractors were Messrs. John Sisk and Son and they were tasked with adapting the existing building. Supported on timber piles, the original walls were raised considerably and the floor area doubled. In order to ensure a substantial job, a steel framework was raised up within the main walls, each stanchion supported by a concrete pile. The new building was completed in 1934. This would mark the beginning of massive development on the South Docks.
Odlums
The Odlums brand is a household name here in Ireland. Milling and packing flour for over 170 years. Originally established in Portlaoise by the Odlum family in 1845, Odlums has been an integral part of Irish baking and cooking for generations.
This is what they want to turn it into as part of the redevelopment of the South Docks
Check this site out for full history of the South Docks and local area.
After moving to Ireland in late 2017 exploring as it had been before [for me] changed for a couple of years. Establishing a new life here meant i was more of a distant viewer of the tempting dereliction around my new location busy with other things. I scratched a few itches but not the persistent ones. I really started trying again around late 2019 and into 2020. By that time it seemed to me the exploring community had changed a bit around me so didn't really bother sharing much online. Every time I would drive into Cork city though the Odlums owl would stare me down, giving me the mad dogs and finally in early 2020 I hatched a plan and found myself inside. The familiar smell of an old flour mill is never enough it seems and I've found myself visiting regularly over the last few years. It remains unchanged inside and I would like it stay that way.
Canteen
Labratory
Continued....
