Finalists for Cork Better Building Awards 'will be keenly debated in the coming days'

The shortlist has been revealed for this year’s Cork Better Building Awards, from a list of direct nominations, and nominations from the public, of buildings that make the city of Cork proud.

This year, two new categories have been added, bringing the total to nine.

Leitrim St residential regeneration project, the conversion of 58 McCurtain St to apartments, and Upper Cattle Market St have been shortlisted for the City Living Award.

UCC Mardyke Arena Squad Gym, the Old Oak on Oliver Plunkett St, and UCC Crow’s Nest are shortlisted for the second new category, the Climate Resilience Award.

The finalists in the returning Best New Development category are UCC Crow’s Nest, Broga House, and UCC The Hub.

The Best Café/Restaurant finalists are Filter, Paradise Place, MacCurtain St Wine Cellar, and Cameron Bakery in Blackrock.

For the Best in Heritage, Conservation & Sustainability category, Flannels, St Patrick’s Street; Broga House, Washington St; and Griffith College Cork have also been shortlisted.

The Best Retail Frontage finalists are: Cork Flower Studio, Douglas St; B Perfect Cosmetics, Oliver Plunkett St; and Verd Houseplants on Washington St.

Shortlisted for Best in Tourism and Arts are The Kingsley, Bloom in Hayfield Manor Hotel, Sketch, The Imperial, and The Courtyard on Sober Lane.

Finally, Best Pub Front is to be a contest between Annie Mac’s Bar on Bandon Rd, Impala on Liberty St and Barry’s of Douglas.

The winners in the nine categories, as well as a special Judges Choice winner, will be announced at an awards ceremony in The Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain St, on November 17.

The awards are organised by Cork Business Association and supported by Cork City Council.

They are judged by an independent panel of experts: Lawrence Owens, past President of the Cork Business Association; Shane Clarke, Director, Garden City Culture; Ashleigh Murray, Conservation Officer, Cork City Council and Gwen Jordan, Senior Executive Planner, Cork City Council.

Lawrence Owens, speaking on behalf of the judging panel, said: “Good housekeeping and the upkeep and maintenance of properties has a significant influence on the ambience of the city and the overall well-being of the community environment.

“The number of submissions increased again this year and the judging of each category will be keenly debated in the coming days.”