Plans submitted for 56,000 sq m of R&D and manufacturing space

Plans for a 56, 000 sq m research, development and production scheme have been submitted to Cherwell District Council.

Tritax Symmetry, along with Siemens Healthineers, which makes superconducting magnets for MRI machines, want to develop a 48-acre site north of the A41, near Junction 9 of the M40. The scheme will be known as Symmetry Park, Oxford North.

Siemens Healthineers has reported increasing demand for its products and, after an extensive search including overseas, decided only the Oxfordshire site could meet its required timescales. It will move its existing site at Eynsham to the new development. Around 1,100 jobs will be accommodated including 500 from the Eynsham site.

The new building will be bespoke to Siemens Healthineers and be net zero carbon in construction. It is intended to have a minimum BREEAM Excellent rating and will include solar panels.

Jonathan Dawes, planning director for Tritax Symmetry, said: “The development of this new world-class facility at Symmetry Park, Oxford North will safeguard the significant knowledge, expertise and embedded supply chain benefits that have been established over the last 40 years within Oxfordshire.

“The proposals set out are accompanied by a thorough and robust assessment of all relevant technical matters, including highways and transportation, landscape and visual impacts, ecology, archaeology and heritage, and flood risk.

“Since the site was identified by Siemens Healthineers, we have undertaken a thorough public consultation and have continued to liaise with local planning officers throughout the process.”

Ralph Seidler, managing director of Siemens Healthineers Magnet Technology, said: “Increasing demand for our superconducting magnets has meant we have outgrown our existing development and manufacturing facilities in Eynsham, located 13 miles away from Symmetry Park.

“Realising we needed a larger facility, we carried out an extensive search across the UK; this site is the only location that can meet our requirements.

“Subject to a positive planning outcome, we will commence a phased transition from Eynsham to Oxford North with changeover anticipated to complete by 2030, subject to the variable demand for product lines developed in the facilities.”

Siemens Healthineers is being advised by JLL.

Sign up to receive your free weekly Thames Tap journal here.