Renovation project of 'culturally significant' building in Waterford up for national award

A Waterford refurbishment project has been shortlisted for a national retrofitting/renovation award at the Irish Building & Design Awards 2026.

29 The Glen, a formerly derelict property which was refurbished as part of Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing response to dereliction and vacancy within the city, is the project that has earned the nod. 

The Retrofitting/Renovation Project of the Year category celebrates an outstanding retrofitting or renovation project that transforms existing structures through innovation, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship.

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It recognises projects that enhance building performance, extend lifespan, and breathe new life into older properties.

29 The Glen was identified as a unique opportunity to refurbish an existing vacant and derelict property within Waterford City Centre and to provide new sustainable social housing units within an existing residential area.

Works to provide four quality one-bedroom apartments commenced on site in January 2024 and were completed later that year in October 2024.

The building was first allocated to tenants in January 2025 and is currently fully occupied, with all units allocated to tenants from Waterford City and County Council’s social housing list, ensuring the continued support of residential amenity in the local area.

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This development provides accessible and safe housing appropriate to the tenants needs as well as enhancing connections to the wider community.

There is significant evidence that the rejuvenation of vacant city centre properties not only provides sustainable living accommodation but alleviates social isolation and loneliness and improves overall health and wellbeing of its inhabitants.

"This project was also crucial in securing the preservation of a historically significant building, encouraging the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helping to secure the preservation of these protected structures and culturally significant buildings within the city centre," Seamus De Faoite, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council, said.

The overall IBDA 2026 category winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Dublin on March 13th, 2026.