This award recognises outstanding placemaking projects that enhance Cork’s urban environment through innovative urban design, high-quality public realm improvements and the creation of welcoming, inclusive and sustainable spaces. Open to projects including parks, bridges, streets, plazas and other communal spaces, the award celebrates initiatives that strengthen a sense of place, improve connectivity, encourage environmental sustainability and enrich the experience of those in the area.

This prestigious award – the overall final winner of Cork’s Better Building Awards – celebrates the highest standard of building excellence in Cork, as chosen by our independent panel of judges. The recipient of this award showcases outstanding craftsmanship and innovation, contributing significantly to Cork’s urban landscape and enhancing the city’s architectural legacy. This winner embodies what it means to improve and elevate the cityscape of Cork, setting a benchmark in design, sustainability, and impact.

The “Best in Heritage, Conservation & Sustainability” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards honours projects that skillfully preserve the city’s historical character while embracing sustainable practices. This award recognizes efforts to protect Cork’s architectural heritage through careful restoration and environmentally conscious design. It celebrates buildings that balance tradition with modern sustainability, enhancing the city’s cultural legacy. The category highlights leadership in conservation and the importance of integrating sustainability into heritage projects.

The “Best Retail” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards celebrates retail spaces that excel in design, presentation, and customer experience. This award recognizes shops that enhance the city’s commercial appeal through innovative storefronts, effective use of space, and high standards of upkeep. It honors retailers that create visually appealing environments while contributing to Cork’s vibrant shopping scene. The category highlights the importance of well-designed retail spaces in attracting customers and supporting the local economy.

The “Best Café/Restaurant” category recognises establishments that stand out for their exceptional exterior design and inviting atmosphere, and is open to new or recently renovated exteriors in the last 12 months. This award celebrates cafés and restaurants creativity, attention to detail, and thoughtful integration with the local environment. Ultimately it honours venues that contribute positively to not only the city’s vibrant dining scene, but also improve the overall look of the street and wider cityscape.

The “Best in Tourism & Arts” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards honours buildings that significantly enhance the city’s cultural and tourism sectors. Buildings are recognised that showcase creativity, innovation, and a strong connection to Cork’s heritage. It celebrates venues, galleries, museums, and other spaces that attract visitors and enrich the cultural landscape. The category highlights developments that contribute to Cork’s reputation as a vibrant hub for tourism and the arts.

The “Best Commercial Business Frontage” category celebrates businesses that create exceptional and visually appealing storefronts completed or upgraded in the last 12 months. This award recognises commercial properties that enhance the streetscape through thoughtful design, attention to detail, and effective use of branding. The category highlights how a well-maintained and attractive frontage can positively impact both the business and the surrounding area, and overall honours businesses that contribute to Cork’s vibrant commercial environment.

The “City Living” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards honours residential developments completed in the last 12 months that enhance urban life in the city. This award recognises projects that offer high-quality living spaces, prioritize sustainability, and contribute positively to Cork’s urban landscape. Emphasis is placed on innovative design, efficient use of space, and integration with the surrounding community. The category highlights developments that make city living more attractive and accessible, supporting a vibrant and thriving urban environment. Overall, it celebrates projects that elevate the standard of residential living in Cork, and encourage people to choose to live within the city.

The “Best Pub Front” category celebrates the most visually appealing and well-maintained pub exteriors in the city, focusing on work that has been completed in the last 12 months. This award highlights establishments that enhance Cork’s streetscape with creative design, vibrant colour schemes, and attention to detail. It recognises pubs that contribute to the city’s charm and heritage while creating inviting and welcoming spaces for customers to enjoy. Judging criteria include architectural style, upkeep, and how the pub’s façade complements its surroundings. This category honours the fusion of tradition and modernity in Cork’s vibrant pub culture.