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Restoring Heritage in the Heart of Oxford – 46a George Street
Client: Oxford City Council
Project: External refurbishment at 46a George Street
Department: Property
Dates:
Work awarded: January 2025
Work started: 24 March 2025
Work ended: 20 June 2025 (10 days ahead of schedule)
Summary:
ODS completed a comprehensive external refurbishment at 46a George Street, Oxford, on behalf of Oxford City Council. The project focused on preserving and enhancing the building’s historic features while ensuring safety and minimal disruption in a busy city centre location. Works were delivered to a high standard, ahead of schedule, and in close partnership with trusted local contractors.
Requirements:
The scope of works included the refurbishment of roof dormers, retiling of the mansard roof, chimney stack repairs, lime mortar repointing, and leadwork renewal. Heavy cast iron guttering was carefully removed, restored off-site, and reinstalled. Stone window repairs were carried out to preserve architectural detailing. All work adhered to heritage requirements and was executed with a strong emphasis on quality and durability.
Challenges:
Site located directly opposite bus stops and next to Gloucester Green bus/coach park
Constant high footfall and traffic requiring daily planning and safety measures
Ensuring public safety while coordinating contractor and materials movement
Managing unforeseen repairs without disrupting the timeline or budget
Solutions:
ODS put in place comprehensive health and safety procedures, including clear signage, barriers, and the use of high-visibility operatives on-site to guide deliveries and assist the public. Careful planning and daily briefings ensured smooth execution of works in a challenging live environment. Close communication with the client and flexible project management allowed for seamless handling of unforeseen issues, such as the additional chimney repairs and roof retiling.
Outcome:
The project was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget, with only minor variations related to essential additional work. The site was managed safely throughout, despite being in a high-traffic pedestrian and transport zone. The collaborative approach with local specialists ensured both heritage integrity and quality workmanship.
Results:
A beautifully restored heritage building in central Oxford that reflects ODS’s ability to deliver complex projects in sensitive environments. The client, Oxford City Council, expressed strong satisfaction with the outcome.
Feedback:
"I would just like to say that I am extremely happy with the outcome of this project and ODS's organisation of the works.
Everything went smoothly and was completely before the original timeline." – Nicky Newlett, Oxford City Council
