JUDGES CHOICE AWARD

VICTORIA HOTEL

The Victoria Hotel dates back to 1810. The hotel was a popular disco location in the city centre in the 1980s and 1990s but has been closed for a number of years. In 2017, new owners RESAM Properties Ltd lodged plans to build a high-order retail unit on the site which is now occupied by iconic bookstore Easons. In the redevelopment the historic facade facing Patrick Street was retained along with the arched decorative ceiling in the first-floor ballroom. An entrance at the Cook Street side of the building was also created.. The Judges all agreed that the redevelopment and reuse of the former Victoria Hotel building deserved special acknowledgement. One of the judges noted that the development represents how carefully stripping a property back to its simplest form can be transformative. Built in the early 1920s after the burning of Cork, this project symbolizes the resurgence of the city. Making passers-by on the street “look up”. One judge states “The Victoria Hotel is like a Christmas present that when unwrapped is way better than you expected. I don't think anyone realised what was hidden behind the paint and render. What was exposed is truly stunning”.

RETAIL SPECIAL MERIT AWARD

FITZGERALDS MENSWEAR

For the retail sector the special merit award has been awarded to 3rd generation family business Fitzgeralds menswear on Saint Patricks Street. Throughout lockdown this premises was maintained to a very high standard, attention to detail and upkeep of the entire building kept this important part of Cork’s Primary Retail Street alive during some unprecedented times.

A bespoke offering to the Cork Retail Sector, the addition of bay trees outside the premises also contributes to the positive addition it makes to the streetscape.

COMMERCIAL SPECIAL MERIT AWARD

Salvagem

For the commercial business sector – Salvagem on MacCurtain Street was selected by the judges for a special merit award. The judges were complimentary of the very well restored historic shopfront noting that they colorways chosen work very well with the polychromatic pilaster.

The ever-changing shopfront window displays brings back some much needed day time usage to MacCurtain Street and the use is in keeping with the traditional type of business that once occupied the street in abundance. The judges noted an uncluttered shop display both internally and externally. Very unique and legible. A nod to the strong indigenous retail offer in Cork City.

ARTS, TOURISM & ACCOMMODATION AWARD

The DEAN Hotel

Voted in the Irish Independent’s Top 50 Places to Stay in Ireland, The Dean Cork is a brand new place to stay in Cork City and is more than a hotel. The building is an outstanding building of modern and contemporary architecture. It is a truly unique and distinctive building within the eastern approach into the city. One of the first parts of the North City Docks redevelopment of the city it acted as an important catalyst. It is located a stones throw from Kent station and the roof top restaurant and viewing area enable a more civic use of the building providing city wide views of Cork City, a wonderful addition to our city’s hotel offer.

CAFE & RESTAURANT AWARD

KIELY’S BY THE BLUE HAVEN      

The judges felt that Kiely’s by the Blue Haven Group Kinsale was a city centre chipper with a shopfront punching very much above its weight. Colour scheme, signage, stain glass and brass finishes are of very high quality.

A strong contribution to the streetscape on Maylor Street, the judges felt that the efforts of the building’s owners will have a promotional impact on future shopfronts in the vicinity.

COMMERCIAL PREMISES AWARD

DARCY’S Hairdressing

Established in Paul Street for 40 years, located in a pedestrianised area with two separate shopfront facades and a roof garden, the judges chose Darcy’s as best commercial premises because of their long standing commitment to maintaining and upkeeping their shop premises on two separate streets and through abundant planting and the provision of a roof garden doing their bit towards the greening of the city. The gable end is also very well maintained and brightens the vista, westwards along Paul street towards castle street. It is for this consistent, high level of presentation and attention to detail that Darcy's hairdressing on Paul street is the winner in the commercial premises category.

PUB FRONT AWARD

GALLAGER’S

The recent external refurbishment of Gallagher’s demonstrates the transformative impact that careful attention to detail when selecting paint colour and signage can have on a building. Gallagher’s pub has a strong corner presence and the new façade treatment successfully exploits this visual prominence. Judges complimented the great colour scheme and signage. The outdoor dining brings the inside out and the planters used to buffer the dining areas provide urban greening. The internal area is very visible to passing pedestrians which adds vitality to both Bridge Street and MacCurtain Street. Judges also commented that Gallagher’s exemplifies the design verve of the burgeoning VQ quarter. The confidence of the colour pallet, the contemporary signage and the heritage repairs mark a quality welcome to MacCurtain Street

RETAIL Premises AWARD

SHEENA’S BOUTIQUE

Located on Oliver Plunkett Street the three storey bold and symmetrical Sheena’s Boutique brings Soho style to the Plunkett Quarter. Sheena's Boutique are to be complimented for presenting the building in a consistent, contemporary and strikingly bold design treatment. Almost industrial in style the 3 storey façade treatment is simple and effective and is a positive addition to the streetscape. The judges commented that the black and glass facade is wonderfully complemented by the gold signage and the luxurious and opulent windows displays that change through the seasons, inviting the curious shopper to enter and explore the premises more thoroughly. Sheena's Boutique is retailing at it's very best, using the entire building to entice and enthrall shoppers and browsers alike.

NEW DEVELOPMENT AWARD

HQ @ HORGANS QUAY

Developed by Clarendon Properties HQ Horgan’s Quay, Cork, comprises a six acre mixed used development centred around the conservation of the site’s Industrial heritage. The refurbishment of the Station House forms the centrepiece of the Residential development. The Goods Shed refurbishment and restoration of the nine metre high Cork Limestone wall are integral to the development of the Office buildings. Horgan’s Quay is a major rejuvenation scheme for Cork City and includes the development of three LEED Gold Standard office blocks, providing modern accommodation for up to 3,600 employees.

325 new, modern apartments with riverfront views introduce an integral living heart to the scheme, as well as a 6,000m2 public plaza and 2,155m2 of amenity space providing a food market, ancillary shops, restaurants and a creche space ensure that it has all the key ingredients for a successful urban quarter. Noting that it is substantially complete, the judges commended the mixed use nature of the scheme and the high quality public realm and approach to urban design employed on the HQ scheme.