Groundbreaking marks start of latest R&D space at Harwell

Groundbreaking has taken place at the site of a 60,000 sq ft building which will help tackle the shortage of R&D space in Oxfordshire.

Zeus at the Harwell Campus is the first in a new collection of multi-occupier hybrid buildings that will provide flexible space with a mix of R&D, office and laboratory use.

Wantage MP David Johnston and Vale of the White Horse councillor Bethia Thomas, cabinet member for development and regeneration, attended last Friday’s ceremony.

William Cooper, Harwell Campus partnership director, said: “Zeus is a statement building for Harwell – we’ve invested in the design, unusually putting it out for an architectural competition, to ensure we continue to deliver an innovative and exciting environment at Harwell Campus that allows organisations here to flourish.”

“Starting this new phase of development will ensure our continued successful growth. We know demand is there and we want to continue to evolve our product offering to meet market demand for flexible alternative space.”

Barnwood is the main contractor for Zeus which is due for completion in September 2020.

*Images: Top: Guests at the ceremony. Below: A CGI of the building.