An Oxford University college is undergoing historic renovations ahead of its 700th anniversary.

Oriel College is renewing its built heritage with its largest renovation programme in a century ahead of the landmark anniversary in 2026.

Founded in 1326 by King Edward II, Oriel College celebrates 700 years of uninterrupted existence the year after next.

The renovation guarantees the built heritage of the college is a viable environment for learning and research in the future.

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The renovated dining hall at Oriel College.The renovated dining hall at Oriel College. (Image: Stuart Bebb / Oriel College)

Oriel’s Provost and the chair of Historic England, Lord Neil Mendoza CBE said: “Our beautiful built heritage has a positive influence on people’s quality of life.

“We know this objectively, but I also see it every day in the experience and life of our students.

“The ongoing programme of renovation to prepare for Oriel’s anniversary is historic in scale.

“The plan is to protect our buildings but also optimise them to suit future needs.

“There is a tendency to think heritage buildings cannot be energy efficient, but that is wrong and Oriel is leading the way.”

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The Senior Library at Oriel College before the collection was decanted to an external storage facility.The Senior Library at Oriel College before the collection was decanted to an external storage facility. (Image: John Cairns / Oriel College)

The first stage of the renovation programme consists of the renovation of historic spaces on the east range of First Quad.

This is set to be complete in time for Oriel’s anniversary year in 2026 while work to restore the 17th century dining hall was completed in 2021.

Kitchens are being rebuilt and the bar refurbished at the College while modifications are also being made to improve accessibility outcomes.

“Oriel’s buildings and estate are beautiful and inspiring,” said treasurer Margaret Jones.

“They are important not only for their impressive architecture, but also because of how they shape the experience of students.

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View out of the Senior Library at Oriel College.View out of the Senior Library at Oriel College. (Image: Stuart Bebb / Oriel College)

“We have assessed which areas of our estate will require attention and are taking long-term steps to ensure Oriel’s buildings are in excellent condition for future generations.

“I was delighted when the restoration of the dining hall won an award in 2021 from the Oxford Preservation Trust recognising the contribution of the work to Oxford.”

Oriel is also working on proposals to decarbonise heating infrastructure with a key priority is ensuring buildings are accessible and energy efficient.

In 2026, a project to restore and upgrade the Senior Library situated on the first floor of the neoclassical building in Second Quad is set to begin.

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High Table in the renovated dining hall at Oriel College.High Table in the renovated dining hall at Oriel College. (Image: Stuart Bebb / Oriel College)

The building was specially designed by architect James Wyatt in 1788 to house Oriel’s rare books and manuscripts collection.

The plan is to install environmental controls, security features and new lighting, creating a functional rare books library for research.

Oriel College is planning a full calendar of celebrations in 2026 to mark 700 years since the year of its foundation.

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