Debbie Dance of the Oxford Preservation Trust unveils a treat for history lovers and encourages us to explore When I begin a book I have a habit of turning to the acknowledgements page. I like to think about how a book has come about, who encouraged it, helped with the research, who was trusted to read the early texts. It gives me some insight into the person writing and can read like a story within the story of its own. I wonder what the reader can tell from the acknowledgements in the Oxford Heritage Books. This series of six books, published by OPT over the past 10 years, belong to the author, and the illustrator, Malcolm Graham, and Edith Gollnast.
THE beauty of Oxford’s architecture is celebrated around the world. But vigilance is required to maintain the city’s unique streetscapes, historic fabric and natural corners, and to ensure any new additions enhance and improve the environment. It is a mission which the Oxford Preservation Trust, as watchdog for the city’s heritage, has embraced with zeal. The city has been tarnished with some hideous eyesores over the years, but the trust is intent on doing all it can to protect the best of our urban heritage and natural environment while celebrating good design. Every year the trust presents awards to the best new design projects, celebrating the positive contribution that high quality building and environmental projects can make to Oxford’s streets, quads and green spaces.
John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. NEW oxygen tanks at the John Radcliffe, changing a house in a protected area of North Oxford into an office for a religious organisation, and official use of an office for a university study centre are among the latest building projects listed with Oxford City Council. See more about these planning applications at oxford.gov.uk/planning Two liquid oxygen tanks will be installed at the John Radcliffe, to modernise the hospital’s back up supplies of the gas. The current oxygen tanks at the site have become damaged after years of use due to water and wind, and have degraded to ‘unacceptable levels’.
A CAMPAIGN group who previously fought to save Blackbird Leys Grade-II listed church have now said they will agree to the its demolition if public benefit ‘outweighs’ its loss. The Church of the Holy Family in Blackbird Leys first revealed plans to update their building, with new space to rent and flats to sell, in 2018. The church, built in 1965, is Grade-II listed due to its unusual heart-shaped plan, intricate interior and timber roof. Since the planning application was put forward in 2018, several campaign groups have objected to its demolition. Recent reports, however, revealing the cost of replacing the roof, which is currently leaking, have caused some campaigners to say that public benefit of a new church and living space could outweigh its preservation.
By Andrew Ffrench @OxMailAndyF Business reporter covering Didcot and Wallingford. Call me on 01865 425425
A Chiltern Railways’ train heads into Oxford station above the Sheepwash Channel – the swing bridge still with its rails can be seen on the right The days when trains ran into the Rewley Road station and goods yard in Oxford are now a distant memory. But there is one reminder - the swing bridge which gave access to the site and which is to be restored to its former glory. The bridge, at the north end of Oxford Station, allowed trains to cross the Sheepwash Channel, a stretch of water linking the River Thames with the Oxford Canal.