The £1.2 billion Oxford North development was officially launched by Lord Hague of Richmond on Tuesday (September 30).
Dignitaries and invited guests gathered for the official launch of the scheme, which has consent for around a million sq ft of flexible lab and office space.
Guests looked around the recently completed 158,500 sq ft Phase 1A. It comprises two laboratory buildings offering units from 2,000 sq ft to 56,000 sq ft, including 13,500 sq ft which is being fitted out and will be available in December; as well as the iconic Red Hall, totalling 33,000 sq ft of workspace over four floors.
Lord Hague, who is Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: “We’re here to celebrate this iconic addition to the region’s innovation landscape. Oxford is a unique hub with an exceptional 900-year history, and is synonymous with life-changing scientific and technological breakthroughs. The continued investment into next generation infrastructure and inclusive opportunities such as Oxford North means this an exciting time to be part of this city.”
The development by Oxford North Ventures, a joint venture between Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and asset manager Stanhope, will be home to occupiers ranging from start-ups and spin outs to global giants.
Its 270,000 sq ft of amenity space will include an 80-seat café, 100-seat town hall and co-working space, a central square, and Fallaize Park, a two-acre public park, featuring artwork by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, consisting of eight glass polyhedrons inspired by models of the solar system.
Prof Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome, president of St John’s College, said: “Today is a significant milestone for Oxford on the world stage, celebrating St John’s joint investment to create a place to connect local academia, research and the most innovative start-ups and companies in our ecosystem.
“This will help to retain the exceptional talent in the city and to create opportunities for inclusive growth. There is a unique opportunity for Oxford North occupiers to engage with academia and business as part of Oxford’s thriving innovation ecosystem and vibrant spin-out culture.
“Most importantly, this is a new place for everyone, reflecting the original vision of Oxford City Council to create a new district for Oxford, knitted into the city and fully connected to its surroundings.
“This vision is coming to life through Engage, our art, culture, social value and legacy programme, to integrate into the community and inspire pupils and students to become future scientists, innovators and technologists.”
Where will Oxford North take the city?
Image top (l-r): Victoria Collett, development director, Thomas White Oxford; Graham Tyler, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Oxford North JV partner; Simon Ruck, managing director, Oxford North; Prof Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome, president, St John’s College; Bernard Taylor, chair, Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College; Lord Hague of Richmond; Prof Dame Kay Davies; Jenny Hammarlund, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Oxford North JV partner; Aja Pymble-Ward, development director, Stanhope, development manager; David Camp, chief executive, Stanhope, development manager.
Image below: Red Hall.
© Aurelien Langlais
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