Cobh Public Realm Urban Design Plan shortlisted For Prestigious RIAI Public Choice Award

Cork County Council’s Cobh Public Realm Urban Design Plan has been shortlisted for this year’s RIAI Public Choice Award 2022. The annual award celebrates quality design and the contribution made by architecture to the environment for everyone’s benefit.

The plan aims to enhance the public realm of Cobh’s Town Centre with a people-centred approach that promises to make Cobh a more attractive town in which to live, work and visit.

The plan comprises a wide range of public realm enhancements including:

  • Tree-lined traffic tables facilitating safe crossing for pedestrians
  • Greening of car parking and more accessible footpaths in the heart of Cobh
  • Redesign of the town plaza with outdoor dining
  • Placemaking lighting masterplan to unlock the night economy 
  • Soft landscaping, a nature-based solution including urban pocket soft landscape, sustainable drainage and rain gardens
  • Reconfiguration of the town park, its connection with the Irish Navy and reconnection with the heritage promenade
  • A new Top of the Hill streetscape which will attract footfall and maximise safe walking routes to schools and drop off areas
  • A new sense of neighbourhood throughout the higher town core for residents including new accessible terraces to frame the view of Cobh’s most iconic buildings

Following 18 months of public engagement, including walkabouts, workshops and remote presentations, the plan was release in 2021, with 722 submissions received by the Council, the majority of which was supportive and a Part 8 was granted with minor changes to address the public concerns. The project is currently awaiting national funding calls.

The RIAI Public Choice Award is a unique opportunity for the public to choose their favourite project, with winners announced on the 23rd of June by the RIAI President.

Support the Cobh Public Realm Urban Design Plan in this year’s awards, by voting at Public Choice Award Poll | RIAI.ie (The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.