WEALTH November 10, 2025 0 Comments

How MacCurtain Street Hotels Outpaced Big Players to Clinch Cork Business Association’s Coveted Better Building Award—Here’s Their Untold Strategy

When was the last time you paused to consider the story behind a building’s façade? The MacCurtain Street Hotel just nudged us all to do exactly that — and then some. Snagging the Judges’ Choice Award at this year’s Cork Business Association and Cork City Council’s Better Building Awards, this gem isn’t just another pretty face on Cork’s historic streetscape. It’s a testament to vision, dedication, and a hefty dose of preserving heritage while pushing innovation forward. And hey, it wasn’t the only star of the show — from the Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence to the Sounds from a Safe Harbour Mural, Cork is buzzing with architectural excellence. These awards, proudly backed by Marina Market, spotlight those who put sweat and soul into keeping Cork’s built environment not just alive but thriving. Curious to see who else took home honors and why these efforts matter? Dive into the full story and get ready to see Cork’s buildings in a whole new light. LEARN MORE

The MacCurtain Street Hotel has been recognised for its exceptional contribution to Cork’s historic streetscape as one of 13 buildings celebrating at the Cork Business Association and Cork City Council‘s Better Building Awards.

The hotel won the Judges’ Choice Award, and sites such as the Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence and the Sounds from a Safe Harbour Mural were also awarded. See the full list of winners below.

Sponsored by Marina Market, the awards recognise excellence in the care, presentation, and enhancement of Cork’s built environment, from cherished heritage sites to innovative new developments.

“For over 60 years, the CBA has proudly represented the interests of our members, and the Better Building Awards have become a favourite fixture in our calendar,” said Dave O’Brien, president of the Cork Business Association.

“These awards mean so much to those who are nominated and shortlisted. Maintaining and presenting these buildings at their best takes significant time, effort, and financial commitment. Today, we celebrate those who have shown true vision in how they build, modernise, and maintain their properties.”

The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy; Seamus McGrath TD; Brian Geaney, assistant chief executive, Cork City Council and guest speaker Niamh Twomey, heritage officer, Cork City Council, as well as representatives from across Cork’s vibrant business community.

In her address, Twomey credited the property owners and businesses that care for the city’s built environment.

“The Better Building Awards celebrate the people who keep Cork’s architectural heritage alive — the owners and businesses who care for our city’s buildings, restore them with pride, and reimagine them for new uses while respecting their history,” she said.

“They are also the innovators shaping the built heritage of the future. Their commitment and creativity help make Cork a more vibrant, resilient and beautiful city.”

This popular competition attracted entries across ten categories, and in addition to the winners, three Special Merit Awards were also given out to worthy recipients.

Photo: Pictured at the CBA Better Building Awards, where The Metropole Hotel was Named Judges’ Choice.
(Pic: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO)

2025 Better Building Award Winners

1. Best Tourism & Arts – Bakestone, Perry St (Sounds from a Safe Harbour Mural)

2. Best Retail – Planet Beauty, Brown Thomas, Winthrop St Special Merit: Here’s Health, Oliver Plunkett St

3. Best Café / Restaurant – Mantra, Princes St

4. Best Pub Front – Pier Head, Blackrock

5. Best New Development – Le Chéile Building, MTU Learning Resource Centre, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown

6. Best Commercial Premises – Kuma Bikes, Ship St/MacCurtain St

7. Best Climate Resilience – Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence, Pearse Rd, Ballyphehane

8. Best City Living – Springville House, Blackrock Special Merit: Cora Murphy, Douglas St

9. Heritage, Conservation & Sustainability – Cork Public Museum, Fitzgerald Park Special Merit: Nadur Deli, Nano Nagle Place

10. Judges’ Choice Award – The Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain St

Photo: Rachel Lysaght, The Echo; Sandra Carey, The Echo; Julie Evans, Opera Lane and Cork Business Association; Elaine Dolan, Irish Examiner; Joanne Sheehan, Irish Examiner pictured at the CBA Better Building Awards, where The Metropole Hotel was Named Judges’ Choice. (Pic: Alison Miles / OSM PHOTO)