Student view irrelevant to Blue Boar listing
Concrete Jungle: Blue Boar quad is to get Grade II listed status
CHRIST CHURCH JCR's outrage against the proposed protected status of the Blue Boar Quad will fall on deaf ears, as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport say the students' views are irrelevant. The building's comfort and purpose will not be taken into account when considering its protected status. The college's Blue Boar Quad has been proposed for the classification of Grade II listed building due to the unique nature of its 1960s architecture.
The student flats have been described by Lord Andrew McIntosh, Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, as one of the best buildings of its kind during the expansion of higher education. Oxford residents have been given the chance to voice their opinions to the ministry regarding the quad.
In last Sunday's meeting, Christ Church JCR passed a motion mandating JCR President, Joanna Lee Morrison, to write a letter to Lord McIntosh, expressing the student body's dismay at the proposed protected status of the Quad, which houses 61 Christ Church first years. The Ministry's position means that the JCR's attempts to oppose the listing will be in vain. Morrison criticised the Ministry and the definition of what is considered architecturally commendable.
“I feel quite strongly that the function is an intrinsic part of the value of a building. If the way it's built means it doesn't function properly, I believe it is unworthy for protection. “In the JCR's opinion, the Boar Quad is not worthy of architectural significance. A lot of people thought the announcement of its listed status was a joke.” Students have voiced a number of complaints regarding the status of the buildings.
First year English student and resident of the Blue Boar Quad Flora Herries told The Oxford Student: “Aesthetically, it's quite shockingly ugly and the rooms are pretty revolting. They're quite damp, the walls are like paper and it's cold. The loos are disgusting and generally the building hasn't been renovated for quite a long time.
However, a spokesperson for the government department said: “The only factors that the department can take into account are ones relating to the architecture and historical significance of the building. Considerations like its suitability for purpose are not going to be a factor” The Oxford Student has learnt the Department's decision is especially unwelcome as it comes at a time when the college is considering renovating the quad.
If it is given listed status, Christ Church would be unable to redevelop the buildings and would have to apply to the Heritage trust to undertake any redevelopments.
24th Feb 2005