Heritage Network member announces shortlist for award

Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) is delighted to announce the shortlist for the Oxford Preservation Trust Awards 2026, which champion the best in conservation and new design. We celebrate projects which make a significant contribution to Oxford’s character, streets, green spaces and communities.

This year, 30 projects have been shortlisted across 6 categories, reflecting the remarkable range of work taking place in and around Oxford. Entries were received from local architects, community groups, developers, public authorities and academic institutions across the city, showcasing a growing commitment to sustainability, accessibility and community.

The 2026 Awards Shortlist

Adaptive Re-use

Frewin Hall
MCR Mitchell Building Lift, University College
Oriel College East Range
No’s 1-10 Bevington Road, St Anne’s College
St Margaret’s Redevelopment
Trinity College Jackson Building Decarbonisation and Border Project

Building Conservation

Conservation of the Bodley and Garner Gate, Magdalen College
Examination Schools Mosaic Floor Conservation
Exeter College Dining Hall
Headington Manor
Yarnton Manor Estate

Community Impact

Courtside at Bury Knowle
Donnington Community Food Garden
East Oxford Community Centre
The Hill End Roundhouse
Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, University of Oxford

Green Spaces

Designing for public engagement, the Natural Landscape History Walks Project
Early Years Nature Garden – St Francis School
Grassland Enhancement and Living Libraries
Oxford North Green Spaces

New Buildings

17 Norham Gardens
Fishers Vale
New Gatehouse and Quad Side Entrance, St Edward’s School
The Spencer Building, Corpus Christi College

Public Realm

New Benches for Oxford
Modern Art Oxford Refurbishment
Statue of Dervorguilla of Galloway
Stone cleaning and repairs of the Oxford Town Hall Elevations
Trinity College Gate
University Parks Toilet Refurbishment

The winners will be announced at the Oxford Preservation Trust Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 4 November to be held at St John’s College. The event will bring together architects, developers, craftspeople, planners, volunteers and community groups who have all played a part in preserving and enhancing Oxford’s historic and natural environment.

Anna Eavis, Chief Executive, Oxford Preservation Trust:

“Every year the OPT Awards shortlist reminds us of what's possible when ambition meets respect and understanding for place. This year's entries range from thoughtful restorations to bold new builds that show Oxford doesn't have to choose between protecting its heritage and embracing good design — the best projects do both. We're proud to spotlight the people and teams behind this work and can't wait to celebrate with them at our Awards evening this November.”

About the OPT Awards

The OPT Awards are supported by Gravita and Mathews Comfort Insurance Broker, we would like to thank them for enabling us to celebrate the positive contribution newprojects make to Oxford’s streets and communities.

Now in its 49th year, the OPT Awards celebrate excellence in design, historic conservation and sustainability across Oxford. This year, the awards have been refreshed with updated categories that better reflect the diverse and evolving projects shaping the city: Adaptive Re-use, Building Conservation, Community Impact, Green Spaces, New Buildings, and Public Realm.

The awards are open to a wide range of projects, large or small, from exceptional new architecture and the conservation of historic buildings to projects that enhance the wider landscape or have a strong community focus. Whether an architect, owner, occupier, or local resident, anyone can enter a project for consideration.