One Albert Quay scoops Best New Development award

The Better Building Awards, organised by the Cork Business Association, reward businesses and building caretakers for protecting and enhancing the city’s streetscape.

The ‘best in retail’ award went to clothing store, Superdry, for their renovation of the former Moderne store on Patrick’s Street. Keanes Jewellers also won a ‘special merit award’ for the recent renovation of their Oliver Plunkett Street store.

Dan Lowrey’s pub, on MacCurtain Street, won the ‘best pub’ category, while Currans Restaurant, on Adelaide Street, won the ‘best cafe/restaurant’ award.

The ‘best in heritage and conservation’ award went to property firm, Matt Fallon, for the renovation of their building on the corner of the South Mall and Grand Parade.

The ‘best commercial business frontage’ award went to AIB, on North Main Street, while the ‘best new development’ award went to One Albert Quay.

The Imperial Hotel won the ‘best tourism’ category. The ‘judge’s choice’ award went to Alchemy cafe, on Barrack Street.

Speaking at the awards, Pat O’Connell, president of Cork Business Association, said we forget that Cork is a beautiful city, with rich and diverse architecture.

“The awards are a fantastic opportunity to encourage businesses to improve their facades and the overall look of the city’s street-scape. Much of the attention of the awards is on the maintenance and simple good housekeeping of buildings — painting and cleaning, planting and enhancements — ways that will make the very best of the building”.

Evening Echo