Greyarc Investments has received planning approval from Oxford City council for the refurbishment and extension of Building 2700, formerly Oxfam HQ. The building will now be known as OxBio Hub, a campus for the sciences and deep tech sector.
Refurbishment plans
Approval was granted on Tuesday 24th February, and permits refurbishment such as a rooftop extension for an additional floor, which will allow for research and development and office use within Use Class E. The buildings main entrance will be relocated, and new installations include a goods lift, car parking and cycle storage facilities.
OxBio Hub will offer CL2 lab-ready workspaces, for optimal workflow and occupiers will be allowed to customise spaces from 4,000 sq.ft to 130,851 sq.ft according to their specific needs. Sustainability is integral to the project, and refurbishment targets of BREEAM Very Good, EPC B rating have been set, ISO 14001 certified and registered as part of the Considerate Constructors scheme. Notable sustainable features include solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and biodiverse green areas.
Amenities are well provided, occupiers will have access to a gym, café, and an auditorium. The location is also strategically convenient, it will benefit from the planned reopening of the Cowley Branch Line, and close to transport connections leading to Oxford city centre.
The future of OxBio Hub
Angus Bates, Director of GreyArc Investments and owner of OxBio Hub said “We are delighted to have secured planning approval”, he sees OxBio Hub as “well positioned to support the next generation of companies growing in Oxford”.
Works will commence with immediate effect.
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