Call for Entries for the 2023 ULI Ireland Excellence in Placemaking Awards

Commercial property specialists CBRE and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) have formally launched this year’s ‘ULI Ireland Excellence in Placemaking’ awards competition which is now open for entries. The awards were established a number of years ago to reward organisations and communities throughout Ireland that make genuine efforts to improve their local communities through the initiation of placemaking projects that add to the public realm and make these places better places in which to ‘live, work and play’. The competition, which is now in its 5^th year, shortlists the best examples of Placemaking in each province in Ireland with prizes for the best community project and best public/private sector project in each Province. All prize-winners receive a bespoke trophy while the overall national winner wins a prize of €5,000 to invest in further placemaking efforts in their locality.

As in previous years, entries for the 2023 competition will be judged by a highly accomplished independent jury including esteemed planners, architects & academics. Jurors will operate independently of CBRE and ULI Ireland, applying the highest standards of evaluation and professional practice as reflected in the code of ethics of the Urban Land Institute.

More information on how to enter this year’s competition can be found by visiting www.cbre.ie/placemaking-awards or by emailing [email protected]

The closing date for entries to this year’s competition is September 30th and the competition will culminate in a prizegiving ceremony in the Winter.

According to Marie Hunt, Chairperson of ULI Ireland “These awards tie in with some of the key objectives of the Urban Land Institute in terms of identifying, showcasing & celebrating good design & placemaking in urban landscapes. The projects that have particularly stood out in recent years are those that promote health & wellbeing, offering ‘connectivity, permeability and accessibility’ for all whilst also promoting the best in architecture and design. The best projects are both architecturally beautiful and strong on design.”

Willie Norse, Executive Director of property consultants CBRE Ireland, sponsors of the competition, added “It is so important for the future of our built environment that we understand and champion great placemaking and sustainability efforts. I am delighted that CBRE are once again working with ULI Ireland to formally recognise & reward those in the public and private sector who are building communities & creating amazing places and I look forward to ongoing collaboration with ULI Ireland on this project into the future as placemaking and ESG becomes even more important.”

Michael Pettibone, who accepted the cheque and awards at the official prizegiving ceremony last week commented that their winning cheque would go towards adding some custom planters to the new entrance square that has just been completed to further enhance the scheme at Clancy Quay, Dublin 8.

The winners of the various categories in last year’s competition were as follows:

Dublin

Best Public/Private Sector Project - Clancy Quay

Best Community Project - Ballyfermot People's Park
 

Honourable Mention – Fernhill Gardens

Rest of Leinster

 

Best Public/Private Sector Project – Seek Dundalk Urban Arts

 

Best Community Project – Greystones Sensory Gardens

 

Honourable Mention – Naas Poplar Square

 

Munster

Best Public/Private Sector Project – Croom Town Park

Ulster

Best Public/Private Sector Project – Flaxx Social Space, Linen Qtr. Belfast

Connaught

Best Community Project – Mulranny Community Playground

Overall National Winner

Best Public/Private Sector Project – Clancy Quay

 

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