The Oxford Trust’s proposed 17,000 sq ft Aspen Building has been given the go-ahead.
Oxford City Council’s planning committee approved the trust’s plans to provide science and tech companies with additional start-up and grow-on laboratory and office space, at its December 10 meeting.
It will deliver a mix of flexible laboratory and office space spread over two floors next to the existing 19,000 sq ft Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington.
In addition, the building will include a new STEM resources and preparation room, which will support its Science Oxford outreach delivery to schools across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire as well as engage local communities with STEM.
The building will target BREEAM Excellent and include solar panels, water harvesting, a green wall, cycle parking, shower and locker facilities and a minimum of 10 per cent biodiversity net gain.
Income generated from leasing the new laboratory and office space in the Aspen Building will be reinvested into the trust’s innovation and STEM education and engagement programmes.
Trust chief executive Steve Burgess said: “We are thrilled that our planning application has been given the green light. The Aspen Building will create exceptional spaces for exceptional science.
“The new facility at the Wood Centre for Innovation represents a significant investment for the Trust and underlines our continued commitment to the Headington Science Cluster.
“It will mean we will be able to support further scientific research, create local jobs, and contribute to Oxfordshire’s impressive innovation ecosystem. It will also allow us to expand the impact of our Science Oxford education programme to inspire even more young people about STEM.”
The project team for the Aspen Building includes ADP Architects, Carter Jonas, BSG Ecology, Landshape, Glanville, Gleeds, Sylva Trees and CPW.
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