Approval for latest Oxford North development

Detailed designs for a trio of laboratory and office buildings – which total 458,100 sq ft – as part of the second phase of £700m life sciences innovation district Oxford North have been approved.With outline planning permission for the wider masterplan and detailed planning permission for phase 1a granted in March 2021, Oxford North Ventures – the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope – submitted the applications for phase two’s reserved matters.The applications were for the three laboratory buildings’ appearance, layouts and low carbon operation initiatives, alongside enhancements to the central and building-specific landscaping.Plot A has been designed by Fletcher Priest Architects and is for a four-floor laboratory and office building covering 117,300 sq ft.Plot B has been designed by Wilkinson Eyre and is for a five-floor global HQ laboratory and office building covering 177,900 sq ft.Plot C has been designed by Gort Scott and is for a five-storey global HQ laboratory and office building covering 162,900 sq ft.All three will target BREEAM Excellent certification and have 100 per cent electric heating and cooling, efficient lighting, high levels of fabric performance and optimised ventilation to incorporate heat recovery and solar PV technology.David Camp, chief executive of Stanhope, said: “We are creating a life-enhancing setting for workers, residents and visitors which invites discovery, supports community and enhances well-being.”We have been working hard to ensure that phase two provides much-needed advanced R&D lab and office buildings which have been purposefully designed for future life sciences occupiers giving them the opportunity to customise the fit-out to their requirements and providing spaces for everyone to enjoy.”We look forward to continuing to create construction jobs and vital new science and innovation space for Oxford.”Charles Rowton-Lee, head of commercial agency – Oxford, Savills, added: “Demand for lab space in Oxfordshire is currently circa 1.2 million sq ft with just 5,000 sq ft of current supply.”The delivery of Oxford North’s first five new lab buildings will be a significant boost for both local and global life sciences companies to accelerate their discoveries here in Oxford.”We are already in initial discussions with companies looking for such space, and today’s news means these conversations can be advanced.”Acting on behalf of Oxford North Ventures are Fletcher Priest Architects, WilkinsonEyre, Gort Scott, AKT II, Hoare Lea, Gustafson Porter and Bowman, Alinea Consulting, Stantec, Savills, PFB, Reef Associates, People Friendly Design, BSG Ecology and EDP.