Blenheim Palace’s Orangery restoration project shortlisted for prestigious national award

Blenheim Palace’s £2 million restoration project of its historic Orangery has been shortlisted for a prestigious national conservation award.

The 18th century Orangery, which reopened in October 2023, is one of three South East regional finalists – alongside Leighton Buzzard Market Cross and Saltdean Lido, Brighton & Hove – in the 2025 AABC Conservation Awards. Other regional finalists include Westminster Hall in Greater London, and Carlisle Castle Keep in the North West Region. Winners of the national award will be announced in January.

Regional Finalists are schemes which have ‘demonstrated a significant standard of historic building conservation in their region, contributing to the quality and appearance of the built environment, whilst being sustainable, accessible, and providing a positive civic contribution’.

Kelly O’Driscoll, Head of Built Heritage at Blenheim Palace, said: “Being a regional finalist alongside such prestigious projects as Westminster Hall is a wonderful credit to everyone involved in this remarkable project, not least Nick Cox Architects, as well as every ticket and annual pass holder who chooses Blenheim Palace for a day out, as this vital work couldn’t have been completed without their donations.”

Phoebe Gresford, Architect at Nick Cox Architects, commented: “We are honoured that the Blenheim Orangery project has been selected as an AABC Conservation Award, Regional Finalist 2025. This reflects the visionary approach to the project and the dedication of the multi-disciplinary team from inception to completion.”

The Orangery’s vital £2 million restoration work included the replacement of the glass ceiling with timber and slate back to its original design. The Blenheim team worked closely with Nick Cox Architects and Historic England to ensure the work, materials and the architecture remained sympathetic to Vanbrugh’s original design and it is believed to be the first type of reinstatement programme carried out on a Grade 1 Listed building of its kind. The Orangery roof was last restored in the 1970s but the 19th century glass roof came to the end of its natural life and needed entirely replacing.

For the complete list of 2025 Regional Finalists, visit the Civic Trust Awards website www.civictrustawards.org.uk

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Jon Perks at Cab Campaign – blenheim@cabcampaign.co.uk

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped park and gardens, it was designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style and is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.

With over 300 years of history to share and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, the magnificent stately home has a rich variety of cultural highlights and an extensive programme of special events and exhibitions.

The total Estate expands into a further 10,000 acres outside of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and focuses on care for the land through sustainable means, pursuing net zero, the growth of the local economy, the provision of affordable homes, apprenticeship training and supported community groups as part of its ambition to make this part of Oxfordshire a fairer and better place.