£1.2bn scheme contains one million sq ft of worth of lab and office space
Oxford North, a new science and technology innovation district designed by Fletcher Priest Architects, has officially opened.
The £1.2bn scheme, which includes around one million sq ft of lab and office space, is being delivered by Oxford North Ventures, a joint venture between developer Stanhope, Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College and global investor Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
Oxford North will facilitate research from a variety of science, technology and AI companies led by those in the AI, quantum computing, biotech and foodtech sectors. It aims to support the growth of the UK’s life science, technology and innovation industries.
The development’s recently completed Phase 1A comprises two purpose-built laboratory buildings with units from 2,000 sq ft up to 56,000 sq ft, including 13,500 sq ft that is being fitted out and will be available in December, as well as The Red Hall, totalling 33,000 sq ft of workspace over four floors.
There will also be an 80-seat café, 100-seat townhall and co-working space and a central square.
Meanwhile Fallaize Park, a two-acre public park, features the first permanent public work in the UK by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Called “Your planetary assembly”, it consists of eight glass polyhedrons inspired by models of the solar system.
Oxford North is a 15-minute cycle from the city centre. Its official opening was carried out by former Conservative party leader William Hague, who was appointed chancellor of the University of Oxford in February this year.
Work has been ongoing at the development since August 2021.
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