Client Said Business School
Location Oxford
Sector Education
Ridge has been working with the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School to redevelop the former power station, situated next to Osney Island in the centre of Oxford, into a 'Global Centre of Excellence for Executive Education'.
Forgotten farmland and Frog Island
Following the Abbey’s dissolution in 1539, the seat of power and its bell Great Tom were transferred to Christ Church. The land gradually returned to marsh and meadow, later nicknamed "Frog Island" because of its frequent flooding. In the 19th century, Osney Island was developed for housing linked to Oxford’s expanding railway economy, bringing new energy and activity to the area.
A river island with ancient roots
The name “Osney” may stem from “Osa’s Island” or the ancient British word for river, “Ouse” — fitting for a site shaped by water for centuries. In the 12th century, it became home to Oseney Abbey, one of Oxford’s most powerful religious institutions.
Achieving the aspiration
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.
Lighting Oxford
When it opened in 1892, Osney Power Station supplied electricity for Oxford’s trams and early street lighting. It was part of a wave of municipal infrastructure that helped modernise the city.
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.
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:
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.
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 redevelopment of Osney Power Station overlooking the River Thames in Oxford isn't without its challenges.
From safeguarding its historic character to navigating environmental risks and tight logistics, this ambitious project has pushed the boundaries of innovation. Project managed by our team in Oxford, our client came to us with big goals, a long-term vision and complex challenges. We have helped to shape those into something achievable, practical and valuable.
The power station is locally listed and sits beside a conservation area, so preserving its key architectural features — such as the historic façades and original windows — is essential. Add in Oxford’s strict Carfax height rule, and the project has demanded precision at every turn.
On the banks of the Thames, the Osney site faces serious flood risks. To future-proof the building, it needed a design capable of withstanding an exceptional flood. This meant raising key elements above predicted levels and installing flood barriers. Repairs below the water line to the river wall required precision work within a tight winter window. We oversaw the installation of a 120-metre-long coffer dam which exposed the brickwork, creating a safe, dry working environment.
Given the site’s historic past, it was unsurprising that an archaeological dig uncovered medieval remains, such as a dovecot that had links to a former monastery. The development’s design was adapted to protect these finds. Part of the site was originally home to collections from the University Museum that comprised hazardous historical artefacts. Specialist removal companies were needed to relocate these displays before construction could continue. Among the museum’s stored items were explosive whaling spears and poison-tipped arrows, requiring bomb disposal experts
We uncovered solid concrete foundations extending over seven metres deep, demanding meticulous planning and engineering. This significantly increased the requirement for excavation and added to the complexity of an already challenging groundwork phase.
A tight site demands creative logistics, and in this case resulted in off-site material storage and carefully timed deliveries to avoid congestion. Meanwhile, installing the steel frame was a major task that extended over 14 months as we incorporated modern fire safety measures into the structure.
The development increases the building mass, subsequently triggering detailed right-to-light assessments to ensure neighbouring properties weren’t adversely impacted.
Extensive investigations uncovered hidden hazards, including asbestos and lead paint, some buried deep underground. Meticulous remediation was essential to protect the construction teams and ensure a safe environment for future occupants.
With homes nine metres away, we made communication a priority. Four rounds of public consultation shaped the planning stage, while regular newsletters and face-to-face updates continued to keep residents informed and involved throughout the project.
The transformation of Osney Power Station goes beyond restoring a historic landmark — it’s about creating a sustainable, future-ready home for executive education. As a launchpad for world-class leaders, the Saïd Business School needs a space that inspires ambition, innovation and lasting impact
