Radical plans have been approved for an additional 377,000 sq ft of new commercial space at Grove Business Park.

Both Vale of White Horse District Council and Oxfordshire County Council have now given the scheme consent.  The enlarged park will become a modern hub for life sciences, technology and innovation businesses, with the aspiration to provide for up to 2,500 jobs.

The Oxford Endowment Fund acquired the existing 260,000 sq ft park in 2022 with ambitions for major expansion.

The approved proposals include detailed plans for three new buildings providing technology, R&D and lab-enhanced accommodation totalling 87,500 sq ft, and outline consent for a further 289,500 sq ft of commercial development.

The plans also include enhancements to existing buildings, landscaping and improved amenities as well as better access and links.

Enabling works will complete in the Spring, which will be followed by construction of the first three buildings anticipated to complete in Summer 2026. Barnwood has been appointed as construction contractor for the first phase of development.

The park is already home to around 40 different businesses and organisations – as well as a host of companies at its Boston House Business Centre.

Will Lawrie, head of property management at Oxford University Endowment Management, on behalf of the Oxford Endowment Fund, said: “The increased scale, quality and amenity of the park, together with the new investment and job opportunities created in the life sciences, innovation and technology sectors, are vitally important resources that will serve as a commercial focal point for Wantage and the wider Oxfordshire Science Vale.

“The plans prioritise a BREAAM Excellent development with enhanced biodiversity, green amenity spaces, pedestrian priorities and improved access and permeability with the neighbouring residential development at Wellington Gate, which will create a vibrant and sustainable campus environment for the future.”

The majority of the proposed new development site was initially part of a World War II airfield.

The scheme was designed by SRA architects and is being development managed by atlp consulting.

Savills is the appointed agent.

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