Cork Business Association (CBA) has announced the launch of the Better Building Awards 2026, with nominations now open. Supported by Cork City Council, these awards honour the businesses, developers, landlords, and tenants who take pride in presenting Cork city’s buildings at their best.
This much-loved initiative celebrates everything from innovative new homes and businesses to carefully maintained business fronts, shopfronts, restaurants and pubs highlighting the creativity and dedication that make Cork’s built environment unique. The 2026 Awards welcome a new category ‘Best Placemaking Award’ to honour the new welcoming and shared public spaces in the city that strengthen the sense of space and enrich the public experience.
Alongside ambitious projects, the awards also recognise the everyday care that makes a difference to Cork’s appearance, recognising everything from well-kept façades to thoughtful attention to buildings and spaces.
Cork City Council Chief Executive welcomed the return of the Better Building Awards: “These awards are a wonderful celebration of the investment, creativity and care that goes into Cork city. They recognise the businesses, people and projects that are enhancing our built environment, while respecting our heritage and helping to shape a vibrant, sustainable city for the future.”
Judging is conducted by an independent panel of experts in planning, conservation, and placemaking. This year, the panel is joined by a new judge from UCC’s Planning School.
Bernard Dwyer brings extensive experience from across both the private and public sectors, having worked with clients ranging from private developers to multinational and semi-state organisations. He currently lectures on UCC’s M.Plan – Master’s in Planning and Sustainable Development.
Bernard will be joined by our returning panel of judges including Lawrence Owens (past President CBA), Mary McCarthy (Director of Crawford Art Gallery), Ashleigh Murray (Conservation Officer, Cork City Council), and Gwen Jordan (Senior Executive Planner, Cork City Council).
The Better Building Awards Ceremony will take place at The Metropole Hotel on Friday, November 6th, 2026. It’s free to enter, and you can also nominate another building if you believe it should be recognised. These awards are for Cork City and stretch to the wider boundary so entries are welcome from all of the wider city area.
Cliona Barnes, Director of CBA welcomes the return of the Awards for 2026: “Cork City is entering an exciting period of growth, with ambitious population targets driving the need for new homes, businesses, infrastructure and vibrant public spaces. We’re particularly excited to introduce the new Best Placemaking Award, recognising the shared and public spaces that make our city welcoming, vibrant and enjoyable, while also contributing to economic growth.”
The Better Building Awards continue to grow year on year and are a great opportunity for building owners and operators to highlight the work they’re doing to enhance the city and celebrate their achievements with like-minded people. It’s free to enter and it’s straightforward to submit an application.
There are 9 Award categories sponsored by returning businesses including Glenveagh Homes, KSN Horizon, NetZero Group and more. Full Category details are available at corkbusiness.ie
Submitting Nominations
Entries may be submitted via the Awards pages on corkbusiness.ie. Submissions should include images of the building and any supporting material.
The deadline for entries is Monday, October 5th, 2026.
