Listed Oxford college building is getting a major revamp

Oxford City Council has approved plans by Purcell, a leading firm of architects, for the conservation and renovation of the Hilda Besse building at St Antony’s College in Woodstock Road.

The building is a seminal piece of post-war architecture, and is arguably one of architects Howell, Killick, Partridge & Amis’ finest works.

Completed in 1970 by John Partridge, the Hilda Besse sits at the heart of the college, hosting many of the college’s key social spaces, including the dining hall, common rooms and buttery, as well as private dining facilities and kitchen.

The building won the RIBA Architecture Award and Concrete Society Award in 1971, noted for its skilful application of concrete in a modern interpretation of a traditional hall.

Research into the original construction drawings and photography pinned down areas where the building has been altered from its intended design, which instigated Purcell’s approach to the restoration.

Matthew Tromans, senior architect at Purcell, said: “The architectural value of the building is rooted in the integrity of its design, with the principal spaces and many of their original finishes surviving, albeit in varying conditions.

"The high levels of natural light permitted into these spaces, as well as repeated design and structural motifs, emphasise the building’s post-war architecture.

"Refreshed plans for the first floor include the formation of a new, larger Fellows Dining Room in part of the old kitchen, which will be replaced with a modern kitchen that is fit for purpose.

"The buttery will be stripped back to its bare brick to create a more textural ambience, with the original bar restored and refurbished."

Mr Tromans said a‘light touch’ approach was planned, with minimal alterations to the building exterior focusing on cleaning and repairs.

The concrete structure will be cleaned with any ‘defects’ being cut out, treated and repaired with a surface finish to match the existing one, making any such repairs as invisible as possible.

The proposal also includes plans to re-landscape the college quad, in collaboration with Churchman Thornhill Finch.