Oxford North, the city’s state-of-the-art flagship global innovation district, has launched its new fully fitted lab and office accommodation, alongside a state-of-the-art 100-seat auditorium.
The first phase includes fitted labs ranging from 1,000 sq ft to lab-enabled buildings of up to 58,000 sq ft, alongside The Red Hall, which offers 33,000 sq ft of workspace across four floors. The fitted labs, totalling 13,500 sq ft across four units, are designed for growing companies.
Created by scientists, the spaces provide on-site technical support and access to a shared equipment room with online-bookable equipment, including an autoclave, -80°C freezer, fume cupboard, purified water systems, flexible lab benching and gas piping connected to central gas stores.
The associated write-up spaces feature sit-stand desks and direct data connections to the laboratories.
The launch marks the latest milestone for the innovation district, which has been designed to support the science, technology and AI ecosystem — from start-ups and spin-outs through to global corporations — by offering flexible space for companies at every stage of growth.
With a focus on collaboration, Oxford North has also delivered a flexible 100-seat auditorium, now available for hire. Located within the community-inspired amenity space on the ground floor of The Red Hall, the venue has been designed for conferences, lectures and events, while also being capable of subdivision for smaller seminars and meetings.
Co-working and breakout spaces accommodating up to 40 people are located adjacent to the auditorium. The space also sits next to Taylor’s Oxford North café, overlooking Fallaize Park and creating a focal point for occupiers and the wider innovation community.
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 while 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 one of the UK’s most dynamic mixed-use ecosystems, benefiting stakeholders across the city and beyond.”
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, catering for the entire science and technology lifecycle ecosystem.”
International law firm Mishcon de Reya recently moved into Oxford North, with the Thames Valley team agreeing a five-year lease for 3,500 sq ft of office space on the first floor of The Red Hall.
Read more: Mishcon de Reya becomes first tenant at £1.2bn Oxford North innovation district
Oxford North is being delivered by Oxford North Ventures, a joint venture between Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope.
With consent for up to one million sq ft of flexible lab and office accommodation, Oxford North is well positioned to meet growing demand from companies across the life sciences, technology and innovation sectors.
