Oxford Castle At the heart of one of the best known historic cities in the world, Oxford Castle has a complex history stretching back over nine centuries, as a royal castle, a seat of county government and a prison. For much of this time the site was closed to visitors behind a 6m high wall. After the closure of the prison in 1996, a competition was launched that resulted in a mixed-use scheme, combining a new historic visitor attraction, an award-winning hotel, restaurants, retail and residential buildings. We acted as lead pre-planning consultant, with responsibility for masterplanning, conservation and structures, and subsequently as engineers for the detailed design and construction. Working with architects Dixon Jones and Panter Hudspith, and developers The Osborne Group, this complex and architecturally and archaeologically very sensitive site has become a vibrant new focal point in the heart of Oxford. < back         © Alan Baxter & Associates LLP 2007