Oxford City Council has given the go-ahead to plans for a new life sciences district in Oxford to support global science, research and innovation
Oxford North proposed by Thomas White Oxford will create a new life sciences district for Oxford, to include new laboratories and workspaces for biomedical science, new homes, public parks and neighbourhood shops.
The project will release £8m of Community Infrastructure Levy over the life of the project, which Oxford City Council will administer for infrastructure projects in the local area including projects to be identified by the Wolvercote community.
The project provides for a link road, public art, children’s play areas and safer routes to school, along with a guarantee of a minimum of 35% affordable housing.
The planning approval is for outline consent for the overall 64-acre masterplan to provide 4,500 new jobs across circa 936,500 sq ft of laboratories and offices, 480 new homes, small shops, bars and restaurants, hotel, 23-acres of open spaces including three new parks, and significant investment into the walking, cycling, bus and highway networks.
Oxford North will boost the economy by around £150m per year.
Initial phase plans
A detailed consent has been granted for the first phase of development in the central area, which will provide 140,000 sq ft of laboratories and office space in three buildings along with the first phase of a new public park.
A reserved matters application for the initial enabling works, which will include the earthworks and drainage, will be submitted shortly to Oxford City Council. The council will carry out its own public consultation for this application.
The first phase of new homes on the western Canalside portion of the site will be submitted in the summer.
‘A place for tomorrow’s workforce’
Professor Andrew Parker, St John’s College, said: “The news today that Oxford North has the green light is the culmination of many years of working collaboratively with Oxford City Council, and Oxfordshire County Council for highways, whose vision has been for the area to become home to a science and technology community, with much-needed new homes and vital infrastructure improvements.
“The college is heavily committed to creating a place, not just to facilitate life-enhancing science and technology discoveries, but a new district of Oxford where people want to live, visit and learn.
“Oxford North will connect and enhance the local area physically through open spaces, public art and culture, and immersive experiences.
“It will be a place for tomorrow’s workforce improving people’s lives, air quality and the environment while delivering a significant boost to the economy. We are proud to be investing in such a project for Oxford.”
William Donger, director of Thomas White Oxford, added: “This is a significant day for Oxford’s future after many years of discussions to unlock a bold vision to transform the area to build a global innovation district for the city.
“We are committed to investing in a place that will enhance people’s quality of life, help to retain and attract Oxford’s remarkable talent and deliver positive socioeconomic impacts.”
Works are already underway by Oxfordshire County Council for the wider A40 improvements between Wolvercote roundabout and Duke’s Cut.
As part of the Oxford North proposal, this will see the transformation of the road into a tree-lined street with new bus stops, extended bus and cycle lanes, wider footpaths and safer crossing point.
