Planning permission granted for second superlab in Oxford city centre

By Sam Pither

23 February 2023

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Planning permission has been granted for a second Swailes SuperLab in the city’s Hollybush Row, hot on the heels of the successful launch of the groundbreaking project in nearby Osney Mead.

The development will again be designed and built by Robin Swailes Design and Development and will be aimed at second stage companies looking for a base from which to expand.

Robin said: “From the interest we have had in the first SuperLab, we know there is a huge demand for buildings like this.

“This one will again be very different from a normal laboratory, combining bespoke facilities with close proximity to the city centre with easy access to the train and bus stations and local shops and restaurants.”

The first SuperLab, launched last December, set a new standard for lab facilities with its cool design combined with quality finishings and funky features such as a networking area created in the style of a London tube station and an al fresco meeting space on the roof.

The new building, constructed to the latest eco standards, will convert existing premises formerly occupied by artificial intelligence firm Latent Logic which was taken over by Waymo, Google’s self-driving car company.

It will cover 6,700 sq ft, offering space for up to three laboratories and 82 workers. Building work is due to start in the next 12 months.

Like the first SuperLab, it will be part of the redevelopment of the city’s west end as planners look to accommodate huge growth in the number of spinouts from Oxford University and spiralling demand for lab space with availability at a record low.

Many spinouts want to be in or as near as possible to the city centre to maintain contact with their academic sponsors.

Meanwhile, a planning application has been lodged to create a third SuperLab in nearby St Thomas’ Street.

Robin added: “These are fantastic, bespoke buildings for growing businesses looking to create their own identity and grow in a city centre location.”

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.