02 Achieving the aspiration
Breathing new life into Osney Power Station
In the heart of Oxford on the banks of the Thames, the Saïd Business School is transforming the historic Osney Power Station into a Global Centre of Excellence for Executive Education.
Our Project Management team at Ridge is providing full services for this ambitious, complex and highly sensitive programme.
Powering new purpose
The Business School’s residential courses are currently run from a respected but remote 1960s facility that no longer meets its ambition. The redevelopment of Osney Power Station – a landmark Victorian building that’s listed on the City Council’s Heritage Register – will change that.
Alongside a top-quality team, we’re delivering a space that respects the site’s industrial past while creating flexible, future-focused environments.
This includes modular teaching spaces, an ‘agora-style’ hub, AV/IT suites, leisure facilities and over 120 en-suite bedrooms. An ‘agora’ is a marketplace or public open space where the ancient Greeks gathered. Today, the power station’s turbine hall lends itself perfectly, providing a spacious, bright and vibrant meeting place for the Business School’s students.
Who’s who at Osney Power Station
Project Management – Ridge
Architect – John McAslan + Partners
Structural Engineer – Mann Williams
M&E Engineer – LP
Enforcing quality
Delivering quality is a key focus and essential
to a project that has spanned eight years.
From enhanced inspections to smart use of technology, the team has enforced rigorous and consistent standards across every phase.
This is a building designed to last, with durable, high-spec finishes in critical areas such as mechanical services, façades and infrastructure.
We have delivered:
- OpenSpace 360°
- Digital dashboards
- Building information modelling
Built on heritage
The design champions Osney Power Station's industrial identity. It retains three original facades, exposed brickwork, a crane and 14 steel windows from the 1920s. The structure’s design reflects the steel frame added in the 1950s, blending its heritage with contemporary use. We have exceeded the building’s ‘semi-listed’ expectations every step of the way. We worked closely with conservation officers, many stakeholders and the local community to protect the integrity of this important Oxford landmark.
-
The structure’s design reflects the steel frame added in the 1950s, blending its heritage with contemporary use. We have exceeded the building’s ‘semi-listed’ expectations every step of the way.
-
We worked closely with conservation officers, many stakeholders and the local community to protect the integrity of this important Oxford landmark.
-
Despite multiple challenges, the project achieves the client’s aspiration set out at the start of the contract and remains on budget and on track for completion by spring 2026. Through close collaboration, bold solutions and an unwavering commitment to quality, our teams are proud to have helped shape a defining new chapter for this landmark.