Plans approved for new Bicester business community

Plans for a new job-creating business community in Bicester, featuring a David Lloyd Club, have been approved by Cherwell District Council.The Catalyst project was development in response to demand from technology, advanced manufacturing and high-performance engineering companies.The proposals approved are for a range of standalone hybrid technology buildings totalling 290,000 sq ft, alongside a new health and racquets club within 25 acres of landscaped grounds complete with a ecological wetland reserve. The scheme includes the closure of Wendlebury Poultry Farm. Construction is planned to start later this year with the first buildings due to be available from mid 2021.The development is expected to create 1,750 jobs.Cornish Architects is the masterplanner and architect, Quod is the planning consultancy, David Tucker Associates is the transport consultancy, Tyler Grange is the biodiversity and arboriculture consultancy, re-form is the landscape consultancy, KAM is the project management company and Bailey Johnson Hayes is providing engineering consultancy.The lettings agents are Brown & Co, Colliers International and VSL.