Major milestone as Oxford North office and labs now open

Located within Oxford North, a £1.2 billion innovation district, the fully fitted lab and office space marks the latest milestone in the development of the 64-acre site.

The space is designed to support start-ups, spin-outs, and established businesses across the life sciences, technology and artificial intelligence sectors.

Simon Ruck, managing director of Oxford North, said: “Oxford North has been purposely designed to support businesses at all stages of their development, from start-ups to scale-ups to global corporates.

“Fast-growing businesses require flexible, adaptable space, and this fully fitted lab space means companies can expand quickly in line with funding and research milestones, saving time and costs on fit-outs and delivering operational efficiencies.

“This is essential for smaller companies across the science, technology and innovation sectors.

“Delivering this latest phase at Oxford North, on time, is an important step as we continue building out one of the UK’s most dynamic mixed-use ecosystems, which benefits stakeholders across the city and beyond.”

The new labs, totalling 13,500 sq ft, include on-site technical support, a shared equipment room, and access to specialised facilities such as an -80°C freezer and a fume cupboard.

The associated write-up space features sit-stand desks and has a direct data connection to its lab.

Oxford North’s first phase also includes The Red Hall, a 33,000 sq ft workspace hub spread across four floors.

A new 100-seat auditorium is part of the community-focused amenities on the ground floor of The Red Hall and is available for hire.

Designed to support collaboration across the district, the auditorium can be used for conferences, lectures, or subdivided for smaller meetings and seminars.

Co-working and breakout areas for up to 40 people are located nearby, alongside Taylor’s Oxford North café, which faces Fallaize Park.

The scheme is being delivered by Oxford North Ventures, a joint venture between Thomas White Oxford (the development arm of St John’s College), Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and London property developer Stanhope.

Kevin Darvishi, head of leasing at Stanhope, said: “This is the latest milestone in our vision to create the UK’s leading purpose-built innovation district which caters for the whole science and technology lifecycle ecosystem.”

Oxford North already counts international law firm Mishcon de Reya among its occupiers.

The firm recently signed a five-year lease for 3,500 sq ft of office space on the first floor of The Red Hall.