Commercial property specialists CBRE and ULI Ireland have announced the winners of the fifth annual ‘ULI Excellence in Placemaking’ awards. The awards were established 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 better places in which to ‘live, work and play.’

The winner of this year’s competition, Mud Island Community Gardens in north Dublin is an inspirational community project which demonstrates the power of collective community involvement. The Mud Island project has developed a formally derelict space into a community garden which has evolved into an exceptional and inclusive place. While it was conceived as a sustainable garden, it has become so much more by providing a space for arts, culture, learning and connection across the community. The judging panel were unanimous in their praise for the project’s vision and pro-active approach to sustainability, education, and openness to engaging with the whole community across all ages, and the integration of new residents.

According to Marie Hunt, Chair at ULI Ireland: “These awards tie in with some of the key objectives of the Urban Land Institute in terms of identifying, showcasing and celebrating excellent design and placemaking in urban landscapes. The projects that have particularly appealed to the judges are those that promote health and wellbeing, offering ‘connectivity, permeability and accessibility’ for all whilst also promoting the best in architecture and design. A key feature of this year’s competition was an increase in art and cultural initiatives that deliver benefits for local communities.”

Willie Norse, Executive Director at 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 and reward those in the public and private sector who are building communities and 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.”

More details about this year’s competition winners can be found here.