Planning permission has been secured for a new phase of development at Oxford Technology Park, providing the opportunity to build the much needed lab-space for the life science sector in the county.
Cherwell District Council have approved plans with an unanimous decision by Cherwell’s Planning Committee for three further hybrid buildings, to be located at Oxford Technology Park.
Councillor Barry Wood, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said:
“I am a very strong advocate of Oxford Technology Park. Innovation in science and technology and university spin-out investment frequently happens in clusters. Oxford Technology Park to the economic geography of the likes of Kidlington, Begbroke and Yarton in the Cherwell District is very important.”
Angus Bates, Developer and Director of Oxtec, said:
“Despite the prevailing economic headwinds, we continue to see strong demand for space at Oxford Technology Park from a broad range of life science occupiers including gene therapy, quantum computing and AI businesses. Following on from our most recent letting to Oxford Ionics, we have interest in units ranging from 7500 sq ft at our Innovation Quarter to 40,000 sq ft in our larger, hybrid buildings. Having secured planning consent for the next phase of our development is crucial for us to continue to attract these high-value, fast-growing businesses to Oxford Technology Park with all the downstream benefits this brings to the local economy.”
The new phase will be the fourth phase constructed so far on the 20-acre science and technology park, following the completion of the Innovation Quarter, a 49,000 sq.ft. HQ facility for The Native Antigen Company, the 34,125 sq.ft. landmark, lab-enabled office Building One and a 101-bedroom hotel and restaurant.
Aimed at accommodating the rapid growth of Oxford’s life science companies, the Hybrid Buildings provide state of the art office and advanced R&D laboratory space, from 17,000 sq.ft to 50,000 sq.ft. The “first of its kind” in Oxfordshire, these are buildings for the future that can evolve to the ever changing requirements of the life science sector.
The self-contained two-storey hybrid buildings provide a contemporary office style frontage but with flexible internal space allowing the office and R&D laboratory content of buildings to vary from 25 to 50% to suit an occupier’s requirements. The result will be a contemporary design befitting a Grade A office building but with internal functionality to suit the occupier’s exact needs.
Bespoke laboratory fit-out packages are also available, offering individual tenants a complete turn- key solution.
Fronting Langford Lane and directly adjacent to Oxford London airport, Oxford Technology Park is conveniently located at the commercial centre of innovative activity with the high-tech/life-science hubs of Oxford all in close proximity.
Angus continues:
“We don’t expect these buildings to be on the market for long. This particular style of state of the art office and advanced R&D laboratory commercial unit, which we first brought to the marketplace for The Native Antigen Company, has proven to be incredibly popular and generating a lot of interest among life science occupiers. We would encourage interested parties to get in touch and book a viewing.”
Completion of the Hybrid Buildings is expected at the end of 2023.
To book viewings and arrange your pre-let contact Lauren Bates on [email protected] or the Agents: Duncan May, Bidwells on 07879 883886 or [email protected] and Christian Vecchione, Benedicts on 01865 883364 or [email protected].
