Hartwell to deliver £35m lab and workspace development at Wootton Science Park

Published by

Daniel Face

The five new commercial buildings would be accompanied by a café and other amenities

Hartwell plc has unveiled a £35 million masterplan for new lab and workspace buildings at Wootton Science Park, south west of Oxford.

Designed by Scott Brownrigg, the project will span 106,233 sq ft across five commercial buildings for use by small and medium sized science and technology companies.

It will also feature connected amenities and facilities, including a bistro and gym, secure bike storage and landscaped areas.

An automotive and property development company, Hartwell has owned Wootton Science Park since 1975. It built its first office building on site in 2005, and recently completed Origin, a two-storey CL2 lab building.

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James Hilton, property director at Hartwell, said: “With an unprecedented increase in the University of Oxford’s spinout companies involved in life sciences, quantum, AI, sustainability and more, we believe that the park’s future lies in answering the demand for high quality grow-on lab and workspace and providing amenities to not only support those working here in their innovation and discovery, but also the wider community.

“Our masterplanning work has focused on creating a well-rounded environment that caters to both physical and social needs, enhancing the working environment, and promoting wellbeing for all those who work here and visit.

“The masterplan in both the construction and occupation phases will deliver jobs while fostering innovation and creating a new place for the whole community. We encourage the community to find out more about our plans and to have their say.”

The public consultation opens online on Monday 18th March until Thursday 18th April 2024. An in-person public consultation event is to be held on Thursday 21th March from 4pm to 8pm in the Origin building at the park.

The consultant team for the new development comprises Scott Brownrigg, Gerald Eve, IMA, Macfarlane and Associates, Aspect Ecology and Hoare Lea.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.