Mace to deliver next phase of Begbroke Science Park's expansion

Construction company Mace will deliver the next phase of Begbroke Science Park’s development, part of a £100m expansion.

Mace has been selected to deliver the next phase of Begbroke Science Park’s development, chosen by the Oxford University Property Development (OUPD), the joint venture between Oxford University and Legal & General.

Mace will produce 135,000 sqft of new research facilities for the University.

This contract is the first in a package of work representing a £100 million investment in expanding the Science Park  and will create around an extra 135,000 sq ft of space in total.

The two buildings are lab-enabled, designed by nbbj architects, to perform to high sustainability standards. The development includes a new cycleway link between Begbroke Science Park and Kidlington as well as a public art piece by the Turner Prize-winning practice Assemble.

One building will become a new home for the University’s academics and the other will become a new commercial hub for companies looking to grow and build links with academia.

Practical completion of the next phase of Begbroke Science Park is targeted for early 2024.

OUPD is also working on plans, in consultation with the local community and Cherwell District Council, to bring forward wider development outside the existing boundaries of the Science Park to deliver homes, additional research and development facilities and commercial space.

The building was developed by Oxford University Development (OUD), the delivery arm of OUPD, in conjunction with Oxford University and Bruntwood SciTech. The contract has been placed by Legal & General who will oversee delivery.

Terry Spraggett, managing director, Construction (PREACH) at Mace said: “Working closely with the University of Oxford and L&G, we’ll use our track record and experience in creating the UK’s latest science testing facilities in electronics, satellites and medical research, to bring new research spaces for this prestigious academic institution. By assembling a multi-disciplinary team, we are delivering the buildings in the science park to the highest sustainability and quality standards.”

Mike Coplowe, senior development manager, Legal & General added: “We are extremely proud of our partnership with the University of Oxford, and today marks an exciting milestone in Begbroke Science Parks journey. The first phase of the scheme will bring forward new research facilities, as well as providing space to incubate spin-out companies.

“Future phases will also seek to develop 2,000 new homes, with a mix of affordable tenures and subsidised key worker accommodation. These new facilities will help retain talent in the city, whilst driving essential inward investment and providing opportunities for world-leading innovation, as well as much needed housing for key workers.”