Five teams selected to compete in the second stage of the University of Oxford design competition to oversee its world-leading £1 billion, 190-hectare mixed-use Innovation District at Begbroke
Allies and Morrison, Carlo Ratti Associati, Grimshaw, Hawkins Brown and Prior + Partners have all made it through to this next stage.
The winning team will design and transform the area around the University’s Begbroke Science Park.
The new development is a £4bn joint venture between the University of Oxford and Legal & General Capital.
The shortlist
The jury panel on the University of Oxford design competition have said that all 40 teams that entered were exceptionally strong. It was an extremely competitive field but eventually, decisions were made.
All shortlisted teams scored highly against the stage 1 criteria of creative ability, problem definition, collaborative thinking, communication skills and the overall diversity and inclusivity of the team.
Anna Strongman, CEO, Oxford University Development, said:
“We were inspired by the high quality of the entries and excited by the potential of Begbroke outlined by the teams. Practices and collaborations grasped the challenge of creating a place of world leading research alongside a community calling Begbroke home. We look forward to engaging with the short-listed teams to explore ideas further in stage 2.’’
The winning team
The top team will decide on the ambition and design intent for the final project. The development aims to create a community of up to 2,000 quality homes, with new schools, public park and nature reserve so the successful company must take this into consideration with plans.
The end goal of OUD is to craft an innovative scheme that demonstrates successful sustainable design, delivery, and operation. It is hoped that the new district will drive economic, improve transport connections, and benefit the local population whilst keeping in mind the surrounding natural landscape.
The site will provide the perfect setting for the University’s world-leading science and innovation – from tackling – food security and biodiversity to climate change and the urgent need to move to a zero-carbon economy.
Cherwell District Council’s Local Plan Partial Review has identified the site as very suitable for a high-quality mixed-use development, comprising of research & development, residential, and associated social and physical infrastructure uses. It has also noted the excellent sustainable connectivity to the City of Oxford.
The competition is being managed by Colander Associates. All 40 Stage One entrants can be viewed online at: Colander.
