Oxford North has been named the most impactful commercial development in the South East for 2025 at the CoStar Impact Awards, recognising its contribution to innovation, economic growth and commercial property development.
The award was presented by CoStar, the global provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces, as part of its annual programme celebrating projects that have made significant contributions to the property sector.
Projects considered for the award were assessed by a regional panel of expert judges against criteria including economic catalysis, innovation, growth and diversification, as well as the challenges overcome during delivery.
Oxford North was selected as the leading project in the South East, highlighting the scale and ambition of the development as it continues to expand.
Simon Ruck, Managing Director of Oxford North, said:
“We are truly honoured to receive this significant recognition from CoStar. The Impact Awards shine a spotlight on the projects making a genuine and lasting contribution to the commercial real estate market, and to be named the most impactful development in the South East is a proud moment for everyone involved in Oxford North.
“We look forward to continuing to raise the bar as we progress the next phases and welcome more occupiers to what we believe will become one of the world’s most important innovation districts.”
The £1.2 billion Oxford North project is being delivered by Oxford North Ventures, a joint venture involving Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and development and asset manager Stanhope.
Designed as a global innovation district, the development is intended to support the full science, technology and innovation ecosystem, providing space for early-stage spin-outs as well as established international businesses.
Forecasts suggest the district will contribute £150 million annually to the economy in gross value added, while construction activity has already created more than 2,123 jobs. According to project figures, 29 per cent of those roles have been filled by local Oxfordshire residents.
The first phase of Oxford North was officially opened in September 2025 by Lord Hague of Richmond, Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
That phase delivered 158,500 square feet of laboratory and workspace, including two purpose-built laboratory buildings and The Red Hall, a four-storey workspace building.
The wider 64-acre site has planning consent for nearly one million square feet of flexible laboratory and office accommodation, alongside 480 homes, a hotel, nursery and three public parks.
