Construction giant Laing O’Rourke set to deliver phase 1a of landmark Oxford North project

Construction giant Laing O’Rourke is poised to deliver phase 1a of Oxford North - the new £700M global innovation district within Oxford city’s northern boundary - after it secured the contract.

This phase of works, earmarked for practical completion in the second quarter of 2025, comprises Red Hall, which spans 43,500 sq ft of co-working spaces and meeting areas for science and innovation starts-ups and SMEs along with a cafe-bar and retail units.

READ MORE: Timber cycle pavilion at Oxford North gets go-ahead from city council

It also covers Building 1 and 2 laboratory buildings which will total 115,000 sq ft, a market square and central landscape, which will form the new district’s community and cultural centre.

Laing O’Rourke will use an off-site approach - manufacturing and quality checking critical components of the project in its East Midlands factory - before assembling them on-site.

All components will be produced using low carbon concrete which will support Oxford North’s drive to deliver a more sustainable built environment.

Detailed planning permission for phase 1a was granted in March, 2021, while infrastructure enabling works started in August that year and have been completed.

Subsequent Reserved Matters Applications (RMAs) to enhance and expand the Red Hall and central landscape were approved in March and October this year respectively.

Oxford North Ventures, the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope, has now entered into a contract with Laing O’Rourke as its construction partner to deliver phase 1a.

Three new laboratory buildings, which total 458,000 sq ft, were given the green light by Oxford City Council last month and will be delivered in phase 2.

Martin Staehr, director of building at Laing O’Rourke, said: "We are proud to be part of this prestigious project to create a world-class science and research district.

"We will combine our experience of modern methods of construction and knowledge of this specialist sector to create carbon-efficient laboratories and workspace along with amenities.

"We will also provide employment and create training opportunities for people living in and around Oxford.

"We look forward to working for Oxford North Ventures and with our partners to deliver this exceptional new community in the city of Oxford."

The project is being built on 64 acres of land within Oxford city’s northern boundary and is said to "connect academia and commerce, invention and investment" and provide a sustainable place to "work, live, learn and socialise".

Around 4,500 people will work there alongside 1,500 residents who, along with the local community and visitors, will enjoy amenities including a hotel, nursery, shops, bars and cafes, three public parks, and significant investment in travelling around sustainably.

The aim is to create a new model for the future, supporting business, enabling discovery and improving lives.

The project is also poised to contribute around £150 million per year in gross value added (GVA) to the economy.

Visit Hampshire Biz News for bright, upbeat and positive business news from the county