Oxford North creates 448 new construction jobs and eight apprenticeships

Since building works started in August 2021, Oxford North, the new innovation district in Oxford, has created 448 new construction jobs of which almost a quarter were filled by people based in Oxfordshire and eight new apprentices have been employed through the project’s construction partners.

Oxford North is the new £700 million innovation district in Oxford and will deliver one million sq ft (92,903 sq m) of laboratory and workspaces, 480 new homes, a hotel, nursery, cafes, bars, three public parks and infrastructure.

The Hill Group has delivered the initial infrastructure enabling works and is now focused on building the first new homes on Canalside south of the A40. Careys is responsible for the A44 improvement works which are being carried out on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council and will help promote walking, cycling and bus travel between the Wolvercote and Peartree roundabouts. Enabling works have started on the new central park, market square, Red Hall and first two lab buildings.

Oxford North recently published its new Community Employment Plan which set out how the project will maximise the opportunities created for local people and businesses during the next 18 months of construction.

Deliverables have been agreed to reflect the nature of the next phase of works and include a minimum 15 per cent local Oxfordshire employment, 55 apprenticeships, 37 work experience opportunities, 680 hours of volunteering, career events, school engagement and site tours.

Oxford North Ventures is the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope.

Victoria Collett, development director, Thomas White Oxford said: “We welcome these newly published figures as it shows that our strategy is working, and that local people are benefiting through employment on the project. Creating jobs through real estate developments such as Oxford North is an important step towards a more resilient economy.

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“Our project is generating jobs, boosting economic activity and providing improved infrastructure. Through collaboration we will continue to provide apprenticeship and upskilling opportunities for local people – all through the supply chain.”

David Camp, chief executive officer at developer and investor, Stanhope, added: “Projects such as Oxford North don’t just create jobs and supply chain opportunities, they deliver increased tax revenues from businesses, and benefit residents by giving access to modern facilities for living, working, and visiting, all set in a welcoming environment.

“It is important to us and our partners that Oxford North continues to provide a significant stimulus for the local economy and employment market to create opportunities for local people.”