A successful renovation project by Waterford City and County Council has been named as a finalist for the Retrofitting / Renovation Project of the Year at the 2026 Irish Building & Design Awards (IBDA).

The project involved the extensive refurbishment of 29 The Glen, a formerly derelict building in the heart of the city, which has been converted into high-quality residential accommodation.

The shortlisting recognises the project's success in transforming an existing structure through sustainability, innovation, and quality craftsmanship. By breathing new life into the older property, the Council has effectively extended the building's lifespan while enhancing its overall performance and contribution to the urban landscape.

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Construction works to deliver four modern one-bedroom apartments began in January 2024 and reached completion in October of the same year. The units were fully occupied by January 2025, with all tenants selected from the Council's social housing list. The project has been praised for providing safe, accessible housing while simultaneously tackling urban vacancy and social isolation.

Seamus De Faoite, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council, commented on the achievement: "I would like to commend the team on their nomination for the thoughtful refurbishment of 29 The Glen. Not only has a former derelict building been brought back into use, but the units are also fully occupied and the sense of community is evident in the area. 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."

The initiative forms part of the Council's broader strategy to repurpose vacant city centre assets into sustainable living spaces that support the health and wellbeing of residents.

The final winners of the IBDA 2026 will be revealed during a gala event in Dublin on March 13th, 2026.