Bayview Gardens Wins Social Housing Development of the Year at the 2026 Business Post Property Awards

Our fantastic new development, Bayview Gardens in Drogheda, was named Social Housing Development of the Year at the Business Post Property Awards 2026. The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, 5 March 2026, at the InterContinental Hotel Dublin, where achievements across Ireland’s property sector were celebrated. 

The judges praised Bayview Gardens for transforming a long neglected, fire damaged and derelict site into 58 high quality, sustainable and inclusive homes that now sit comfortably within the town. They highlighted the strong collaboration behind the project and the careful design approach that brought together heritage, landscape and contemporary living.

From Dereliction to Renewal
Before regeneration, the Bayview Gardens site had suffered years of dereliction, structural decay and anti social behaviour. Today, it has been transformed into a welcoming residential community built around restored historic buildings, mature protected trees and thoughtfully designed gardens. 

A restored Bayview House, a protected structure dating back to 1853, now stands at the heart of the development. Conservation specialists reinstated original timber sash windows, lime based renders and historic features. The Coach House, once semi ruinous, has also been repurposed to provide modern homes while keeping its historic character visible. These buildings sit beside a new four and part five storey apartment building that provides bright, modern and energy efficient homes. 

Homes Designed to Exceed Standards
Across the development, homes are designed to exceed national standards. New build apartments achieve BER A ratings with systems such as exhaust air heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and solar PV. Level thresholds, lift access and generous circulation areas support residents of all ages and abilities. 

Outdoor amenities include communal gardens, a play area, seating, pollinator friendly planting, secure bicycle storage, a repair station, EV charging points and a reinstated pedestrian link that connects directly to Dublin Road and the town centre. These features promote wellbeing, biodiversity and sustainable travel. 

Residents describe their homes as bright, warm, peaceful and well located. Many comment on the natural light, the convenience of rail and bus services and the sense of safety throughout the development. 

Delivered Through Strong Partnership
Bayview Gardens was delivered by North and East Housing Association in partnership with:
•    Urban Life Limited
•    Van Dijk Architects
•    Housing Finance Agency
•    Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
•    Louth County Council 

Urban Life described the project as one that demanded determination and creativity, while Van Dijk Architects highlighted the rare opportunity to blend heritage and new homes in a single coherent design. 

Louth County Council described Bayview Gardens as a landmark regeneration project that strengthens the heart of Drogheda and demonstrates the value of partnership in renewing urban areas. 

Recognition That Reflects Years of Work
This award acknowledges the years of work carried out by colleagues across North and East who helped bring the development from concept to completion. Judges noted that Bayview Gardens is a high quality, sustainable and inclusive development that has been carefully integrated into its surroundings. Speaking about the recognition, NEHA Development Manager Pat Costolloe said the award reflects the collaboration behind Bayview Gardens and the shared focus on delivering homes that work for residents and for the town Bayview Gardens now stands as an example of how underused sites can be reimagined to provide sustainable homes that support wellbeing and respect both heritage and nature. 

Find Out More
More information about Bayview Gardens