Public Realm in Waterford town shortlisted for prestigious RIAI award
TRAMORE'S Public Realm has been shortlisted for a prestigious Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Award.
The public realm works were designed by renowned Waterford-based firm dhb Architects in collaboration with Waterford City and County Council.
The awards are one of the longest running architectural awards in Ireland and promote and highlight the quality of work by RIAI members in Ireland and internationally.
Tramore’s town centre has been transformed into a vibrant and connected hub, following investment of approximately €5million.
The project was under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund with support from Waterford City and County Council, and Uisce Éireann.
Máire Henry of dhb Architects said she's delighted the project was shortlisted. “The premise of this project was to make Tramore Town Centre an energetic and welcoming place for those who live, work and visit the area. By linking retail and residential hubs with Tramore’s Blue Flag Beach, there is now a cohesiveness to Tramore that didn’t exist before. The project has created a new vibrant pedestrian area and a real focal point for Tramore town centre.”
Morris Conway, Senior Architect with Waterford City and County Council added: “Tramore is a stunning seaside town that has long held a special place in the hearts of those who live there and those who visit year in, year out. The public realm works have created a recognisable town centre, with its bright and open reclaimed pedestrian area, supporting a new cohort of small artisan businesses in the area, while the stepped seating and cascading paving are as practical as they are eye-catching.”
This year’s RIAI Awards received a record number of 187 entries, with 53 projects shortlisted.
In previous years, the shortlist of projects forms the basis for the RIAI Public Choice Award, from which the public selects their favourite project of the year by voting online.
The winner of the RIAI Public Choice Award will be announced on June 22.