Building projects recognised at Oxford Preservation Trust Awards

The restoration of the Sheldonian Theatre, which included the restoration of the panels to Sir Christopher Wren’s original design, received an OPT award plaque

A number of building and restoration projects by Oxford’s collegiate University have been recognised at the 2011 Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) Awards.

Award plaques have been presented for the Sheldonian Theatre redecoration and relighting project; the conservation work on the Balliol College-owned St Cross Church; the new lift access to Christ Church’s great hall and St John’s new-build Kendrew Quadrangle.

Certificates were awarded to Christ Church's Meadow Building, the Watching Loft of Sir RObert Danvers at Christ Church Cathedral, Lady Margaret Hall's Pipe Partridge Buildings, Merton's T.S Eliot Theatre; the Department of Earth Sciences; the cleaning of the Examination Schools' facade; the Elephant Gate at Wadham College and Rewley Abbey Gateway in Green Templeton College.

Letters of commendation were awarded for the Narthex of the University Church and the Oxford Molecular Institute.

Isobel Hughes, Head of Conservation and Buildings at Oxford University Estates Directorate, said: ‘The University and its colleges are responsible for so many iconic and recognisable features at the heart of Oxford and we are proud that the building work that we do is annually recognised by OPT and other bodies as being of the highest standard.'

Oxford Preservation Trust is a charity dedicated to positive regeneration, conserving history for future generations and increasing public access and enjoyment of Oxford for everyone. Debbie Dance, OPT Director, said: 'People and communities are an intrinsic part of Oxford. This is a chance to recognise some of the work that local people are undertaking.' The awards are sponsored by local firm Kemp and Kemp Property Consultants.