34 C O N T E X T 1 5 0 : J U L Y 2 0 1 7 masonry, bearing on to the dividing walls. Consequently, the removal of existing walls poses a structural and logistical challenge, as well as a financial cost.The retention of as much of the historic fabric as possible and designing within the constraints of the existing layouts help to achieve a cost-efficient and affordable conversion. Entrance doorways to individual cells are typically smaller than standard doorways, and may need to be enlarged to suit modern accessibility requirements.The repetitive nature of small high-level windows is a key characteristic of historic cell blocks.The enlargement of the windows or the addition of newwindows is a practical necessity in the conversion of cell wings to residential use. These interventions need to be carefully explored and assessed to ensure that they are in keeping with the historic character of the listed building. The release of historic prisons presents an enormously important opportunity for imaginative regeneration, retaining the best of the architectural heritage of these sites, reconnecting them to adjoining urban areas and providing characterful places for a variety of uses. Many of these sites are relatively little-known, and understanding their significance is a first step to informed decisions about their development potential. Bibliography Alford R G (1909/10) Notes on Prison Buildings Brodie, A, Croom, J and Davies, J (2002) English Prisons: an architectural history, English Heritage Historic England Designation Listing Selection Guide: Law and Government Buildings (2011) New windows have been inserted below the stone string courses to light bedrooms of the Malmaison Hotel, formerly Oxford Prison, without disturbing the historic windows and window openings above. Will Holborow is a senior heritage consultant with Purcell and formerly head of the government historic estates unit at Historic England.
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