Awards 2022

A Green Theme runs through the 2022 Oxford Preservation Trust Awards this year, in their 45th year, with a number of outstanding projects receiving coveted Green Plaques to recognise their contribution to Oxford and commitment to sustainability.

Oxfordshire’s Lord-Lieutenant Marjorie Glasgow presented awards to Wolfson College with their pioneering decarbonisation scheme which could act as an example of sustainability for Oxford’s Colleges; the Long Mead Barn and the Thames Valley Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project and to the wonderfully creative Vishuddha Yoga Studio in Osney. A commitment to sustainability was included in the clever and subtle Low Energy House in Headington Quarry which received a New Building Plaque, as did Radley College Chapel, and OX Place’s new housing at Rose Hill, one of three high-quality social housing projects entered this year, and a positive trend OPT hopes will continue in future years. 

In total, 12 Plaques and 23 certificates were given out at the Awards Evening by representatives of the sponsors Carter Jonas, Critchleys, and Mathews Comfort Insurance Brokers.  The projects showed the phenomenal range of talent and skill which exists amongst the people working in the heritage and construction industry within Oxford, with a special mention made of the council planning officers and their important role.  There was much to celebrate in the conservation work at the heart of the city with the restoration of Clark’s Row, St. Aldate’s, a labour of love over many years, and St. Giles’ House, restored by St. John’s College. Gees Restaurant, “Secret Garden” and Bar also received a plaque, alongside The Studio, a charming office space tucked into a corner in Dawson Street. 

Projects don’t need to be large to be special and a Plaque was awarded to Exeter College Porters’ Lodge for the ingenious way it has provided disabled access and energy efficiency, a model for others to follow.  Some of the other more unusual awards were the Plaque for the Church Yard Wall at St. Deny’s Church, Northmoor which used “lost” headstones in the restoration, and to Temporary Projects with three outstanding submissions in the Frewin Hall Archaeological Excavation, the 950 Anniversary Son-et-Lumiere at Oxford Castle and Standing with Giants in South Park.