Detailed plans for Oxford North phase two approved

Detailed designs for three new lab and office buildings, totalling 458,100 sq ft at Oxford North have been approved by the city council.

The buildings, phase two of the £700 million mixed-use scheme, were each designed by different architects.

Project masterplanner Fletcher Priest Architects designed Plot A (top image), a flexible, four floor lab and office building with dual frontage to the A40 and central landscaping, which will have a total 117,300 sq ft of accommodation.

Wilkinson Eyre designed Plot B (below image), a five floor global HQ laboratory and office building, also with a frontage on the A40, totalling 177,900 sq ft.

Gort Scott designed Plot C (bottom image), a five storey global HQ laboratory and office building inside the central area and opposite the landmark Red Hall and market square. It will total 162,900 sq ft.

David Camp, chief executive of Stanhope, part of a joint venture with Thomas White Oxford and Cadillac Fairview, which is developing the scheme, said: “We are creating a life-enhancing setting for workers, residents and visitors which invites discovery, supports community and enhances well-being.

“We have been working hard to ensure that phase two provides much-needed advanced R&D lab and office buildings which have been purposefully designed for future life sciences occupiers giving them the opportunity to customise the fit-out to their requirements and providing spaces for everyone to enjoy.

“We look forward to continuing to create construction jobs and vital new science and innovation space for Oxford.”

Charles Rowton-Lee, head of commercial agency – Oxford for Savills, which is part of the project team, said: “Demand for lab space in Oxfordshire is currently circa 1.2 million sq ft with just 5,000 sq ft of current supply.

“The delivery of Oxford North’s first five new lab buildings will be a significant boost for both local and global life sciences companies to accelerate their discoveries here in Oxford. We are already in initial discussions with companies looking for such space, and today’s news means these conversations can be advanced.”