Recognition at Better Building Awards for 12 Cork structures

Twelve Cork buildings have been honoured at the Better Building Awards ceremony, held in The Kingsley Hotel.

The awards, organised by Cork Business Association in partnership with Cork City Council, focus on the care and presentation of the city’s built heritage as well as the integration and enhancement of new developments within the city.

There were over 100 entries this year, spread across 10 categories including the Judges’ Choice Award, with two entries also receiving special merits.

Ashleigh Murray, executive architectural conservation officer at Cork City Council and one of the judges of the competition, told The Echo: “It’s a really positive thing to be part of.

“It’s judged very fairly, but there are loads of really great entries so it’s difficult to decide who is going to win, but that’s why the option of the special merit awards is so helpful.”

The winner of the Best Tourism and Arts award was Elizabeth Fort on Barrack St, while Mango on Patrick St won Best Retail, and Seventy Seven on Grand Parade won best pub front, with a special merit for Old Brennan’s Wine Bar on Oliver Plunkett St.

The prize for best new development went to 7, 8, 9 Quaker Rd, where, working within the confines of an impossibly tight South Parish infill site, the development and architecture team has delivered seven grade A homes with landscaped gardens less that a 10-minute walk from Patrick St.

A judge commented: “This is a strong example of a high-quality infill residential scheme in the heart of the inner-city suburbs. A modern and sympathetic addition to the street.”

The award for Best Commercial Premises went to Savills on Penrose Wharf, for the conversion of a warehouse to offices which “has a visually enhancing impact on the street.”

The Old Oak on Oliver Plunkett St won the Best Climate Resilience title, and was described as “a leader in the city centre in adapting an older building with modern retro-fitting for increased energy efficiency.”

The Best City Living award went to the Barrack St housing development, with social homes replacing a derelict site “which has long blighted the neighbourhood”.

The Heritage, Conservation and Sustainability Award went to the Mercy Hospital Cancer Care Centre, while a special merit award went to the Mercy Hospital Mansion House entrance restoration.

The prestigious Judges’ Choice Award went to the redevelopment of the former Moores Hotel on Morrison’s Island, which the judges said “demonstrates a significant investment and a vote of confidence in Cork city centre”.

The lunch was attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Honore Kamegni, as well as Cork City Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan, and guest speaker Bryan Fitzgerald from the Land Development Agency and project manager of the Docklands development.

Aaron Mansworth, president of Cork Business Association, said: “For over 60 years Cork Business Association has been proudly representing the interests of our members, and the Better Building Awards has become a favourite fixture in the CBA calendar.

“These awards mean so much to those who are nominated and shortlisted,” he said.

“Maintaining and presenting these buildings to their very best takes a lot of time, effort, and financial commitment.”