22-05-2025
Planning green light given on new 80,000 sq ft building in city
The planning green light has been given to a new four-storey building spanning 80,000 square feet in Oxford.
Featuring a laboratory and office space, the newbuild will be located at The Oxford Science Park in Littlemore.
Located at the eastern edge of the park, the site is near the proposed new Cowley Branch Line, with a new station scheduled to open in early 2030, bringing direct links to central Oxford and London.
Yong Shen, The Oxford Science Park director, said: 'This is fantastic news for the Oxfordshire ecosystem and for the companies shaping the future of science and technology.
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The decision by Oxford City Council on planning was a unanimous one. (Image: Ed Nix)
"This development allows us to offer more world-class facilities in an established setting that promotes collaboration, sustainability and discovery, further cementing The Oxford Science Park's reputation as a leading destination for science and technology companies.
"My thanks go to everyone who worked on the planning application.'
Designed with sustainability and community integration in mind, the development includes a 5.86 per cent biodiversity net gain, extensive landscaping, improvements to the adjacent wildlife site, and enhanced cycle and pedestrian connectivity.
There will be 168 car parking spaces with 25 per cent of these with EV charging and 104 bicycle spaces.
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The building itself will feature upgraded façades with anodised aluminium, high energy efficiency standards, and rooftop photovoltaic panels.
Significant heritage enhancements will also feature including a public space showcasing archaeological discoveries and contributing to the setting of the nearby Grade II listed Minchery Priory.
The unanimous decision by Oxford City Council follows extensive public engagement and marks another milestone in the park's growth, following the unanimous approval of the 450,000 sq ft Daubeny Project in 2023.
