Oxford North has signed up international law firm Mishcon de Reya as its first occupier.

Oxford North Ventures, the partnership behind the £1.2 billion development, has announced Mishcon de Reya has taken a five-year lease on 3,500 sq ft at The Red Hall, the iconic four-storey building at the heart of the first phase which was launched in September.

As well as The Red Hall, the scheme’s 158,000 sq ft initial phase comprises two purpose-built laboratory buildings offering units from 2,000 sq ft to 56,000 sq ft, including 13,500 sq ft that is being fitted out and will be available in December.

Mishcon de Reya has a track record of work across the UK innovation economy. The Thames Valley team relocating to Oxford North operates across sectors including life sciences and healthcare, space and defence, AI and blockchain, deep tech and quantum and energy and climate.

Kevin Darvishi, head of leasing for Stanhope, part of the joint venture delivering Oxford North, said: “Securing a blue-chip occupier at Oxford North is a strong endorsement of our vision to create the UK’s leading purpose-built regional innovation campus, which caters to the whole science and technology lifecycle ecosystem.

“We look forward to welcoming the Mishcon de Reya team, which is firmly embedded in the region’s life science scene, and the collaborative opportunities this will foster.

“Sitting at the intersection of academia, commerce and experience, and benefitting from unrivalled multimodal connectivity, we are seeing strong interest from a range of local, national and international occupiers for the remaining phase one space.”

Nicola McConville, partner for Mishcon de Reya, said: “We’re delighted to be the first tenant at Oxford North’s innovative new district. The Red Hall offers the ideal environment for us to collaborate, grow and support our clients in navigating the opportunities and challenges of the evolving innovation landscape.

“This move reflects our commitment to the UK’s innovation economy, and together with our offices in London and Cambridge, we are well positioned within the Golden Triangle of innovation excellence.

“We look forward to contributing to the vibrant community at Oxford North as it grows over the coming months.”

Savills acted for Oxford North Ventures.

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