New £100m R&D scheme to replace retail units

Consultation starts this week over Mission Street’s £100 million plans to create new R&D science space on the site of two retail units in Botley Road, Oxford.

Under the plans the DFS and Carpetright units will be replaced with new innovation building along with a new layout and landscaping and cycle routes.

Mission Street designs multi-tenanted life sciences, tech, R&D and innovation spaces with collaboration areas.

Global architecture practice NBBJ, which is working on the new Life and Mind Building for the University of Oxford) has designed the new space which is within walking distance of Oxford Station.

The scheme is in addition to Mission Street’s scheme for labs at the former Argos unit in Botley Road.

Colin Brown, development director for Mission Street, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to create something better and more useful for Oxford. Our plans are to replace tired retail units of yesteryear with top-grade new employment space that’s presented with distinctive and impressive architecture.

“This is about re-thinking a really sustainable site for a high-quality employment use and providing the innovation space the city needs in a very accessible location. We’re excited to put our ideas on show and we’re asking anyone who’s interested to come along to our drop-in events, go on our website, and provide their feedback to this consultation.”

Public exhibitions at the West Oxford Community Centre will be held on:

Thursday July 21, 2:00pm – 6:30pm
Saturday July 23, 9:30am – 1:30pm

A website is soon to go live at www.investinginbotleyroad.co.uk

The scheme aims for a minimum Excellent BREEAM rating with solar panels, air source heat pumps, EV charge points, and have low embodied carbon design features including a timber structure and recycled materials.

The extensive landscaping will include avenues of trees and a café open to the public.

Mission Street plans to submit a planning application later this Summer and, subject to gaining approval, plans to have the new building ready in 2024.

Images (top and bottom): The proposed scheme.

Below: The site as it is now.