Oxford Preservation Trust launches annual awards scheme with one of last year’s winners – the Bullingdon Community Centre in Headington.

Launching this year’s Awards in the Bullingdon Community Centre felt very special indeed. Judges, sponsors and the Oxford Preservation Trust team gathered in this brilliant building, designed in partnership with the local community, which won a prestigious plaque at last year’s Awards. Richard Bryant, who helps run the centre, described how he and others, advised by Dr Andrea Placidi of Oxford Brookes University, worked with the architects to create a beautiful building, which is worthy of the many local people it serves.
‘This was a true partnership between the community, the city council, architects Jessop & Cook and Oxford Direct Services’ Richard said. ‘It’s a model for how these things should be done.’
Twenty different groups and organizations use the centre on a regular basis. Local people can benefit from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, the Headington Repair Shop and free NHS Health Checks, as well as joining the monthly community lunch.

“The Bullingdon Community Centre is particularly inspiring because the community was at the heart of its creation and because it’s such a well-loved local amenity. The OPT Awards enables us to showcase the high standard of new design and conservation across Oxford and to recognise those projects which really make a positive contribution to the lives people of the city.” says Anna Eavis, OPT’s newly appointed CEO.
The awards scheme, which is now in its 47th year, celebrates the best in new design, sustainability and historic conservation. There are categories for every kind of project, large or small, from exceptional new architecture and landscape design to exemplary conservation. Whether an architect, owner, tenant or neighbour, anyone can enter a project for consideration. OPT would love to hear from you!
The Awards 2024 are generously sponsored by Critchleys, Mathews Comfort Insurance Brokers, and Carter Jonas, enabling us to celebrate the positive contribution new projects make to Oxford’s character, streets, and communities.

To enter a project for an award, click the link below. The deadline for applications is Friday 31 May 2024.