Oxford: New MD for Magdalen College’s Science Park

Magdalen College has appointed science and business park specialist Piers Scrimshaw-Wright to the new role of managing director at The Oxford Science Park. He will be responsible for asset management and the ambitious development plans for an additional 300,000-plus sq ft of office and laboratory space over the next 10 years.

Scrimshaw-Wright is a qualified chartered surveyor with over 20 years’ experience of development and asset management, and nine years as a principal at Arlington Securities and Goodman Group.

He began his career at GVA in London and left as an associate in 2000 to join Arlington where he successfully developed Uxbridge Business Park, including significant lettings to two 'blue-chip' pharmaceutical companies.  He led major acquisitions in Edinburgh and Birmingham, and in 2004 he was integral to the acquisition and management of Colworth Science Park. 

He was appointed Arlington’s Science Park development director in 2006 and led the acquisition of Harwell Oxford in 2007.  He was then promoted to development director of Goodman European Business Parks, responsible for an ambitious development programme in France and Spain.  Since leaving Goodman in 2009, he has been involved in two start-up companies with one focused on several renowned UK science parks.  Most recently he was a development consultant at Oxford City Council. 

His appointment follows Magdalen College’s recent acquisition of the remaining 50% of the Park from M&G Real Estate for £18.1 million which made it sole owner of the Park.

Rory Maw, bursar and director of The Oxford Science Park, said: “With the well-being of employees now a major factor in business decision-making, Piers will be responsible for ensuring that the Park continues to provide an environment which inspires creativity and entrepreneurship.  His understanding of both the property and science-and-technology sectors will be of huge benefit to all.”

Scrimshaw-Wright commented: “I have always admired The Oxford Science Park and its exceptional environment and amenity offering.  I look forward to fostering a rich commercial eco-system and to developing Magdalen College’s ambitious plans to provide additional office and laboratory accommodation which will allow businesses to prosper and grow in a unique entrepreneurial context.”