165,000 sq ft scheme for The Oxford Science Park
Suzanne Lovell
Plans for a new 165,000 sq ft development at The Oxford Science Park have been submitted to the city council.
Architects from Perkins+Will have designed the new workspace, offices and laboratories at Plot 16 on the Magdalen College-owned park, south of the city centre off the A4074, after a competition between four major practices to come up with a suitable scheme.
The development will comprise two buildings with a central, raised plaza and landscaping. It will connect with the proposed new railway station, expected in 2022 thanks to the re-opening of the Cowley branch line.
As well as Perkins+Will, the design team includes Hoare Lea, Campbell Reith, Core5 and 3PM.
Piers Scrimshaw-Wright, chief executive of the park, said: “As the UK’s science and technology sectors continue to thrive, as they certainly do in Oxford, it is essential that we create significant capacity for growing businesses on the park and cater for new entrants including potential inward investment.
“By applying for planning permission, we are putting in place a major step in the evolution of the park.
“Our plans are a catalyst for the re-opening of the Cowley branch line which is an important infrastructure initiative that key Oxford city stakeholders will want to see delivered.”
Construction may begin as soon as Spring 2020 with practical completion likely towards the end of 2021.
Another development, the Bellhouse Building for small and medium-sized firms, is currently under construction and due for completion in Summer 2020.
Source: Thames Valley Property No 173 (tvproperty.co.uk)
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