First look at planned obelisk on Oxfordshire housing estate

Blenheim Estate Homes has unveiled the designs for the obelisk, which will be the centrepiece of Market Square at its Park View development.

The obelisk, set to be completed and revealed in spring 2026, will mark the end of construction work at Park View.

A sketched design for the obelisk's panels (Image: Blenheim Estate Homes) The designs on the obelisk panels are based on the themes of heritage and environment, building and community, and inclusivity and togetherness.

The obelisk is being created by two carvers, Alex Waddell and Freya Morris, who were selected through a competition open to all graduate and early-career carvers in the UK.

Alex Waddell (Image: Blenheim Estate Homes) Freya Morris (Image: Blenheim Estate Homes) The competition was part of the Grinling Gibbons 300 Festival, which celebrated the work and legacy of the 17th-century English sculptor and woodcarver.

The brief was to produce a design for an original piece of work inspired by Grinling Gibbons, whose work is exhibited at Blenheim Palace.

Entrants were given eight weeks to sculpt a maquette and carve their piece, working in their own workshop space or company.

Roger File, managing director of Blenheim Real Estate, said: "This exciting new piece of public art will be a permanent bond between the new residents of Park View and the wider Blenheim Estate, providing a proud focus for this new community.

A sketched design for the obelisk's panels (Image: Blenheim Estate Homes) "We are thrilled to finally give people a preview of what the obelisk will look like - we can’t wait to see the finished piece installed at Park View."

The limestone and sandstone for the obelisk is being donated by Medusa Stonemasonry Limited in Somerton, Somerset.

The three carving panels and one lettering panel have been donated by Portland Stone Firms Ltd from carefully selected Portland limestone.

Nick Laurence, managing director at Medusa Stone Masonry, said: "Medusa is pleased to support Blenheim in this public realm project and ADAM Architecture on the detailed design for the obelisk.

"Designed and manufactured by our masons at our workshops from Cadeby limestone and Peak Moor sandstone, this is a major piece of work that will I have no doubt add to the value and be a benefit to the local community."

Mike Smith, managing director at Portland Stone Firms, added: "Portland Stone Firms are delighted to add our heritage material to a worthy project.

"Carefully selected from Broadcroft quarry, the environmentally sourced panels complement the public space whilst providing a deep connection to their past.

"Our natural material gives a raw connection whilst showing what is possible from worthy initiatives."