16 September 2019
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Victorian Quarter among nominees for National Award
The historic Victorian Quarter is in the running for this year’s 2019 Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards, which brings business and community groups together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area. (incidentally, Bank of Ireland closed their Bridge Street branch in recent years, but that was before the ‘Victorian Quarter’ brand name was created, and was part of the rationalisation of all banks).
The judges visited the Victorian Quarter on Friday 13th September where they were given an insight into the current vibrancy of this quarter. This was demonstrably clear that this is an area on the rise and on the verge of greatness with future plans already underway through the unveiling of the Mary Elmes Bridge and further work being done on Harley Street as part of a comprehensive public realm upgrade for the area. As part of the tour of the district, the judges were regaled with stories of the Quarter through its past, present and future plans, while visiting numerous businesses and community groups in the area. The Quarter was well represented showing off its hard work as a community that works through our ever-changing environments and economic landscapes through innovation, imagination and enthusiasm.
Members of Cobh Animation Team pictured with the judges as part of the historic Victorian Quarter’s effort in The Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards which brings business and community groups together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area.
The judges visited the Victorian Quarter on Friday 13th September where they were given an insight into the vibrancy of this quarter.
Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO
Pupils from St Angela’s College, Cork, pictured performing as part of the historic Victorian Quarter’s effort in The Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards which brings business and community groups together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area.
The judges visited the Victorian Quarter on Friday 13th September where they were given an insight into the vibrancy of this quarter.
Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO
Seán Kelly, CEO, Everyman Theatre, pictured addressing judges and participants as part of the historic Victorian Quarter’s effort in The Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards which brings business and community groups together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area.
Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO
Of the Quarter, close to 50 enthusiastic businesses and community organisations filled the Metropole Hotel Ballroom to give the judges a clear flavour of how this community works together, supporting and partnering with each other to aid in bringing the whole area to colourful life.
There are 79 nominees this year, and the competition was open to small, medium and large towns and areas as well as cities. With the can-do attitude of the businesses in the Victorian Quarter, it is testament to them to have been nominated for such a prestigious award.
A total prize fund of almost €200,000 will be shared by 41 towns, including the overall national winner and the winner of the “Rising Star” category which the Victorian Quarter is nominated for amongst other towns on the rise in Ireland.
Judges have been visiting all nominated areas during August and September, with the winners being announced in December. We wish all of our friends in the Victorian Quarter the very best of luck for the big Finale!
