2023 at The VQ

We can’t believe we’re saying this but Happy New Year everyone! As we begin a new year, we can’t help but reflect on the one that just past. 2023 was a busy one for The VQ from fundraising events, weekends full of food and culture to reaching our goal of acquiring 50 new VQ members. Let’s look back and dive into all things 2023.

Events were a huge part of 2023 for The VQ. We kicked the year off with a bang with The VQ’s first ever fundraising event Casino Royale. All in aid of Marymount Hospice, a James Bond themed Casino night was organised in the Macau Sporting Club. With the help of The VQ Community and local businesses, an incredible €4,000 was raised. Throughout the rest of the year The VQ was lucky to be the host of multiple events such as Cork Whiskey Fest, Cork on a Fork and even the hotspot for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.

2023 also meant the beginning of the Green Network for The VQ. The Green Network is essential for us to establish The VQ as Ireland’s leading climate neutral business district as stated in our business plan. This year also led to the continuation of The VQ’s Destination Forum, this forum will aid us in establishing the VQ as Cork’s foremost dining, cultural and visitor neighbourhood.

With all of our efforts this year in aiming to achieve our strategic priorities, we were able to receive necessary funding to help us reach our goals. Beginning with the Cork City Placemaking Fund, this fund will contribute to The VQ’s Green Gateways project which will bring a touch of nature, biodiversity, and beauty to the entrances of MacCurtain Street. This year also marked the entrance into a very exciting strategic partnership with HEINEKEN Ireland. HEINEKEN’s support will be allocated to contribute to the overall enhancement of The VQ aiding in the area's destination development.

This year was also the year we got a makeover at The VQ. 2023 saw the introduction of two new stunning murals commissioned by the very talented Ardú street art. The first mural popped up on the corner of Coburg Street and Bridge street and is commemorating Tomás MacCurtain. A man that contributed so much not only to the revolution in Ireland and Cork over 100 years ago but also for his contribution to arts and culture in our city. The second mural can be found on the vibrant Harley Street and alludes to the River Lee, its movement, and its importance to the trade of Cork, and Ireland as a whole.

As well as this, we saw the completion of the MacCurtain Street Transport Scheme. This Cork City Council Scheme, Funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), works included major public realm investment, with over 12,530 square metres of public realm and upgraded pathways, new public lighting, seating, street furniture as well as a substantial programme of tree and shrub planting.?

What a year it has been for us at The VQ, and we are not taking any of it for granted. We cannot wait to see what exciting things come our way, who knows… maybe we already have something in the pipeline!

Happy new year everybody, here’s to a great year.