Kilkenny Regeneration Project Secures win in Community Housing Awards 2023

Oaklee Housing won the ‘Regeneration & Renewal (regeneration project)’ award at the Irish Council for Social Housing Community Housing Awards 2023 on October 18, 2023.

The regeneration development which won the award is situated on Walkin Street in Kilkenny.

The event was sponsored by Allianz.  

The Biennial Community Housing Awards 2023 were presented by RTE presenter Anne Cassin.

“This 28 apartment scheme is an excellent example of a previously blighted building being brought back into residential use by an approved housing body (AHB) after 15 years lying idle. Alongside the apartments, there is an office space for Oaklee and a communal space that can be utilised not just by the residents but also the wider local community,” said Donal McManus. Chief Executive of the Irish Council fpr Social Housing (ICSH). 

Walkinslough Court is a regeneration development on a site lying idle since 2008. 

The existing partial structure has been incorporated into a 28 apartment development, which can accommodate up to 98 residents in one, two and three bed homes, with a percentage of universally accessible units.

The community centre is a hub for residents and the wider community, including another AHB, SOS Kilkenny, which runs classes and events for members of the community as well as the people they support.

“The 2023 award entries demonstrate the dedication of the sector (both our AHB members and local authorities) and the scale of the social and affordable housing development work that is ongoing throughout the country, but that often remains unseen,” added Mr McManus. 

“These entries from local authorities, approved housing bodies and cooperative housing bodies exemplify the collaborative work that is happening to deliver housing to those who need it most and during very challenging times. 

We would like to recognise the support of the Department of Housing, local Government and Heritage in the delivery of these projects.”