CBA launches Better Building Awards 2023
We all care about how our city looks and the 2023 Better Buildings Awards wants to recognise the efforts of developers, landlords and tenants to present properties at their absolute best.
Organised by Cork Business Association (CBA) with the support of Cork City Council, two new categories have been announced for the 2023 Better Buildings Awards which has opened for nominations.
The two new categories are a City Living Award, to recognise the efforts of those building residential units in Cork city centre and a Climate Resilience Award to celebrate owners who have gone above and beyond in ensuring that their buildings meet and exceed expectations for sustainability and green energy usage.
Last year saw a surge in the number of entries across the board and the organisers expect an even greater response this year.
Kevin Herlihy, President of CBA said: “We had over fifty nominations last year and it was clear from the response that the awards, which focus on the best examples of the city’s built environment, mean a great deal. It takes time and money to keep premises looking good but it is so worthwhile and the evidence is there to show the positive impact well maintained properties have on the city centre.”
Last year’s winners came from a variety of sectors and each entry was judged by a panel of experts in heritage, planning and placemaking. As well as large scale projects, the judging panel will focus on maintenance and good housekeeping, such as cleaning, painting and planting. The awards are open to all city businesses from Ballincollig to Blarney, Glanmire to Douglas as well as the city centre.
Chief Executive Officer, Cork City Council, Ann Doherty said: “Cork City Council is delighted to be partnering with Cork Business Association again for the 2023 Better Buildings Awards. Cork is growing and the calibre of the businesses operating throughout the city is a strong reflection of the ambition of Cork. More new businesses will open this year and a number of vacant units will be filling up over the coming months.”
D'Arcy O’Neill, of Darcy’s Hair Salon was a recipient of an award in 2022 said: “We were thrilled to be recognised for the hard work we put in to presenting our business to its absolute best. Our shop front is our first introduction to our customers and it is vitally important that what you see on the outside reflects what you will experience when you walk through our doors.”
There is no entry fee and nominations can be made by companies, organisations and by individuals, who believe a building reflects well on the city scape. The categories for the awards are:
· City Living – new for 2023
· Climate Resilience – new for 2023
· Retail
· Heritage and Conservation
· Café/Restaurant
· Pub Front
· Commercial Business Frontage
· Tourism, Arts and Accommodation
· New Development
· Judges Choice
Nominations should be submitted via the CBA website cbaawards.ie/betterbuildings. Include an image of the building along with any other supporting material. Closing date for entries is Friday 8 September.