The Oxford Science Park

CHALLENGE

After a period of growth, The Oxford Science Park instructed us to find new office and laboratory space to meet demand – and secure their reputation as one of the most influential science, technology and business environments in the UK.

SOLUTION

We advised on the planning strategy and led a series of planning applications for new buildings and the associated infrastructure required to support them. A pedestrian-focussed landscaping strategy was central to connecting the developments with the existing buildings and maintaining a walkable Campus. The developments included: 

• Plot 16 – two linked buildings of 34,535 sqm and designed to accommodate a future train station on the Cowley Branch Line. Phase 1 ‘The Iversen Building’ was opened in September 2023.
• Plots 23-26 ‘The Daubeny Project’ – 3 buildings totalling 65,539 sqm and designed to accommodate larger-scale tenants.
• Plot 27 – a new building of 8,534 sqm designed for smaller start-up companies.
• Relocation of a Thames Water Sewage Pumping Station. 
• New electricity substations. 

These developments have been designed to take account of an Oxford County Wildlife Site, flood zones, a Grade II* listed building, below-ground archaeology relating to a medieval nunnery and archival peat deposits. Key to the success of the applications was the articulation of a clear development rationale and balancing this with national and local planning policy regarding car park reduction, biodiversity net gain and the incorporation of sustainable design measures.

We also participated in the Oxford Local Plan review and other policy processes by submitting representations and engaging with the Council to provide evidence on the need for continued support of development at The Oxford Science Park. A Service Level Agreement was agreed with Oxford City Council to support the development programme. 

RESULTS

Planning applications have been submitted for over 108,500 sqm of adaptable office and laboratory accommodation and all applications have been supported by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. Building designs are flexible, to allow for changing tenant needs. The building designs have been future-proofed to allow for and support planned public transport investment, particularly the re-opening of the Cowley Branch Line which triggers a reduction in car parking and repurposing of floorspace. This solution has been followed by other planning applications at The Ellison Institute and Oxford Business Park.