Milestone reached in next phase of Oxford Science Park's development

By Nicky Godding

7 September 2022

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Significant progress has been made in the expansion of The Oxford Science Park (TOSP), one of Europe's leading locations for science and technology companies, with the submission of detailed planning applications for three new laboratory and office buildings on Plots 23-26.

The submission follows a successful public consultation with the local community and the Park’s occupiers. The 500,000+ sq ft of laboratory and office facilities, due to start construction in 2023 and be completed at the end of 2024, will provide vital space for growth of existing Park occupiers and new companies coming to TOSP. They are expected to create highly skilled local jobs and a significant boost to the regional economy, as well as furthering Oxford’s reputation for improving global health and well-being.

In the plans, the new R&D facilities are designed to provide a compelling work environment in close proximity to outside space for relaxation and exercise. Biodiversity will be protected and enhanced throughout the development, which will target an Excellent rating under the construction industry’s sustainability standard, BREEAM. This will include sustainable design and reduction of carbon use during construction.

The project team includes Scott Brownrigg, Bidwells, Hoare Lea, Campbell Reith, Savills, Alinea, MK Ecolog, and landscapers McFarlane Associates.

Rory Maw, CEO of The Oxford Science Park, said, ‘We have been delighted with the positive response to the public consultation on our expansion plans, which cement TOSP’s position as a leading European science park. Submission of these detailed planning applications is an important step towards realising this exciting and urgently needed new development for the Oxford innovation ecosystem. With many of our occupiers having grown in size more than fivefold and continuing to expand, plus potential occupiers coming in from Oxford, the rest of the UK and across the world, the buildings on Plots 23-26 and 27 will help meet the demand for high quality laboratory and office space.’

By Nicky Godding

Nicky Godding is editor of The Business Magazine. Before her journalism career, she worked mainly in public relations moving into writing when she was invited to launch Retail Watch, a publication covering retail and real estate across Europe.

After some years of constant travelling, she tucked away her passport and concentrated on business writing, co-founding a successful regional business magazine. She has interviewed some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs who have built multi-million-pound businesses and reported on many science and technology firsts.

She reports on the region’s thriving business economy from start-ups, family businesses and multi-million-pound corporations, to the professionals that support their growth and the institutions that educate the next generation of business leaders.