Waterford City and County Council has been shortlisted in the Placemaking and Planning Category of the KPMG Irish Independent Property Industry Excellence Awards 2026 for the transformative South Quays Plaza project.

The South Quays Plaza provides a significant new public amenity for residents and visitors alike bringing vibrancy and vitality to Waterford’s South Quays. Situated on what was once described as the “noblest quay in Europe”, the new riverside plaza serves as a gateway between Waterford’s historic city centre and the rapidly evolving North Quays regeneration area. The opening of the new plaza reclaims the most central and prominent section of the South Quays, providing a landscaped, accessible and high quality public space in the heart of the city for locals and visitors to Waterford to enjoy. 

The Clock Tower, dating from the 1860s is the focal point of the plaza, and is framed by terraced steps and seating areas.  Enhanced facilities have been provided, and the design of the space invites people to admire and enjoy uninterrupted views of the river, the Clock Tower, the South Quays, and John Robert’s Square.

The plaza also forms a key gateway of the city’s future connectivity plans, linking the Waterford Greenway via the sustainable transport bridge to the South East Greenway from Dungarvan to New Ross.  The new 207-metre sustainable transport bridge is due to open in late 2027, further strengthening connections between both sides of the River Suir.

From 2028 the construction of Phase 1 of the SDZ development will continue, providing much needed homes, hotel, retail and office space and public realm areas to create a new sustainable quarter on the north side of the River Suir.

Speaking of the nomination, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Liam Brazil said, “The South Quays Plaza is the first part of the highly ambitious North Quays Regeneration project to be delivered and opened to the public. I would like the commend the Council Projects team and their partners for realising such an open and attractive public realm space connecting the heart of Waterford city centre to the North Quays.

“The shortlisting recognises the South Quays Plaza as an outstanding example of placemaking and planning that will benefit the city for generations to come.”

The KPMG Irish Independent Property Industry Excellence Awards, now in its eleventh year, recognise the innovation and purpose driving Ireland’s property industry.

The awards take place at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin on Thursday, November 5^th, 2026.

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