Oxford North launches phase 2 public consultation to deliver amenities, landscaping and carbon-efficient buildings

Oxford North Ventures, the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope, has launched a four-week public consultation on enhancements to phase 1a and new designs for phase 2 to deliver Oxford North, the new £700 million innovation district in Oxford, UK.

Following the grant of planning permission in March 2021 for the master plan and detailed permission for phase 1a, comprising the Red Hall, first two workspace buildings and central public park, the enabling infrastructure construction works are due to complete in January 2023. The Hill Group will start building the first 317 new homes on Canalside in early 2023.

Since Oxford North Ventures was formed in March 2022, the project’s masterplanner and architect Fletcher Priest Architects has worked with newly appointed architects Wilkinson Eyre and Gort Scott, along with world-renowned landscape architect Gustafson, Porter + Bowman to design the detail of phase 2, which will be the next three incubator and HQ laboratory buildings which will total 425,000 sq ft (39,500 sq m) and public spaces within the central area of ​​Oxford North.

The emerging designs include:

• enhanced proposals for the central landscape including amenity spaces, trees and biodiverse planting scheme
• new town square at the heart of the master plan adjacent to the Red Hall
• new streets across the center of the site to include generous pedestrian and cycle provision and tree planting throughout
• enhanced amenities, co-working and SME space in an extended Red Hall
• new incubator and HQ laboratory buildings so that science and technology companies at all stages of their lifecycle can find a home
• new carbon-efficient buildings to support companies in their discovery and innovation activities and so they can work as energy efficiently as possible
• pedestrian, bike, ebike, and bus prioritized to ensure sustainable travel is the mode of choice
• blue badge and car parking in accordance with the master plan planning consent, including accessible spaces, electric car charging and acoustic buffering to the A34
• all electric heating and cooling
• continued local job creation both at the construction and occupation phase
• a place where scientists, technologists and inventors can thrive, ensuring continued discovery, innovation and a resilient economy.

David Camp, chief executive officer, Stanhope plc, said: “Our proposals are intended to provide a unique place by investing in placemaking, amenities and carbon-efficient buildings to support science and technology companies at all stages of their growth and creating a welcoming, inclusive and sustainable place for everyone.

“From start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs to large global companies, we plan to build high-quality, much-needed laboratory and workspace centered around a stunning new public park, market square and amenities.

“The project is also about playing its part in allowing Oxford, one of the world’s greatest cities, and the wider region continue to thrive by creating jobs in both construction and innovation so that we have a resilient economy.

“Oxford North is an exceptionally exciting project, and we look forward to continuing to deliver this new place for Oxford with our partners and in collaboration with the local community.

“We encourage people to see and comment on our emerging designs and visit our in-person event or join our online webinar. Feedback and comments from which will inform the details that will be submitted in our future reserved matters applications.”

The public consultation opens at 08.00 hours on Thursday 10 November and closes at 22.00 hours on Thursday 8 December 2022.