Oxford Prison
(Hotel Malmaison, Oxford Castle, U.K.)

Built in 1071 by a Norman baron, Oxford Castle came into use as a gaol from the 12th century, becoming a formal county gaol in 1531. The gaol operated up until 1996. Since 2005 HM Prison Oxford has operated as a The Malmaison Oxford. Containing 95 bedrooms, with duplex and circular suites, the adaptive reuse included the construction of a new hotel wing known as the House of Correction building (see photo) and interventions in the heritage fabric to provide for new window openings facilitating the prisons new use as hotel accommodation.

From the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (U.K.):
“(… ) the purchase of former prisons by experienced residential developers is a sign of confidence that prisons can be successfully re-used for housing and other uses. The conversion of the main wings at Oxford prison for a Malmaison Hotel provides an encouraging example of how the retention of historic character can contribute to the distinctiveness and economic success of a conversion scheme.”