Oxford Preservation Trust celebrates best in conservation

The awards, which have been running since 1977, recognise projects that make a significant contribution to Oxford’s character, public realm, green spaces, or communities.

This year, six winning plaques and 16 runner-up certificates were awarded at the ceremony on November 5, hosted by St John’s College.

The Jackson Library at Exeter College, University of Oxford, was named the winner in the Building Conservation category.

The 1857 building, designed by George Gilbert Scott, was restored and refurbished by architects Nex and Donald Insall Associates.

The project conserved Mr Scott’s stonework, revealed his original interiors, and took inspiration from his design to equip the building for the future.

Two winners were announced in the New Buildings category - Frewin Garden Building for Brasenose College and St Paul’s House for the Lucy Group.

St Paul's House (Image: OPT) The Frewin Garden Building, a new student accommodation block, was designed by Lee Fitzgerald Architects, drawing inspiration from Frewin Hall’s ancient orchard.

Frewin Garden Building (Image: Lance McNulty) Architect Paul Southouse adapted and extended St Paul’s House on the corner of Walton and Cranham streets in Jericho, creating additional residential space and commercial units at street level.

The Landscape and Public Realm category also saw two winners, namely Holywell Cemetery and the Lemond and Fignon Bridges.

Lemond Bridge (Image: OPT) At Holywell Cemetery, volunteers coordinated by The Friends of Holywell Cemetery successfully balanced historical preservation with biodiversity, "creating a haven for wildlife and human visitors alike," Oxford Preservation Trust said.

Also recognised was the county council’s refurbishment of the Lemond and Fignon Bridges, which was part of its repairs to the Marston Cycle Path.

Fignon Bridge (Image: OPT) These bridges cross the River Cherwell and provide an important public route through Oxford.

A spokesperson for Oxford Preservation Trust said: "It’s wonderful to know that they will serve us for years to come."

The Green Award was won by Reuben College, newly housed in the University of Oxford’s chemistry laboratories and science library.

Reuben College (Image: Mark Bassett) The refurbishment, led by FJcstudio architects, involved the removal of more than 800 tons of asbestos-contaminated materials and four pints of mercury, setting a new standard for the sustainable adaptation and re-use of historic buildings.

Anna Eavis, CEO of Oxford Preservation Trust, said: "Our winners all make an outstanding contribution to Oxford’s character and public realm.

"These very different schemes - which include imaginative new design, exemplary conservation, and adaptive refurbishment - each demonstrate an awareness of the critically important relationship between past and present.

"Congratulations to all concerned."

A list of runners-up from 2024 Oxford Preservation Trust Awards can be found on the trust's website.