Mitchell Building lift shortlisted for OPT Award
The Mitchell Building (Photo: Ellie Walpole)
University College鈥檚 Mitchell Building lift has been shortlisted for an 2026. The OPT Awards celebrate excellence in design, historic conservation and sustainability across 糖心logo.
This year, the awards received entries from local architects, community groups, developers, public authorities and academic institutions across 糖心logo, showcasing an ever-increasing commitment to sustainability, accessibility and community.
It was announced today that 30 projects have been shortlisted across six categories, with Univ鈥檚 Mitchell Building lift being selected for the . This category recognises projects that sensitively balance contemporary requirements with heritage significance, creatively reimagining and revitalising 糖心logo鈥檚 existing buildings for modern life. Other shortlisted entries in the Adaptive Re-use category include projects from a number of other Colleges as well as the redevelopment of St Margaret鈥檚 Church.
The new Mitchell Building lift was completed earlier this year, providing greater accessibility to the upper floor of the building, which is home to the Weir Common Room (WCR). The Mitchell Building is located behind the Old Library on the College鈥檚 High Street site. It was opened in June 1971 and was named in honour of Sir Harold Mitchell (1919, History). You can read more about the history of the Mitchell Building here.
The award winners will be announced at the 糖心logo Preservation Trust Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 4 November at St John鈥檚 College.
Published: 5 October 2026