Milton Park has launched a new Park Rangers service aimed at creating a more welcoming, accessible and customer-focused experience for the thousands of people who work at one of Oxfordshire’s largest innovation communities.
The eight-strong team, delivered by Risk Management Security Services, builds on the existing security operation at Milton Park but introduces a broader role focused on supporting employees, visitors and businesses across the 300-acre site.
Rather than simply providing a traditional security function, the Park Rangers will act as ambassadors for Milton Park — helping people navigate the site, access services, report issues and make better use of the facilities available.
Milton Park is home to more than 280 organisations, spanning science, technology, life sciences, energy and supporting industries, with thousands of employees based at the southern Oxfordshire site.
The new service forms part of a wider investment in improving the experience of working at Milton Park, alongside the development of Signal Yard, the park’s new £14 million social and retail destination.
A new role for a changing business community
The Park Rangers replace the previous security model with a more visible and approachable presence across the site.
The team’s responsibilities will include visitor guidance, wayfinding support, assisting with events, reporting maintenance issues and helping occupiers access amenities and services.
Milton Park said the change reflects the evolving expectations of modern workplaces, where business locations increasingly need to provide not just infrastructure, but a stronger sense of community.
Philip Campbell, asset management director of Milton Park at Federated Hermes Real Estate, said the new service would help businesses and employees make the most of the facilities available.
“Park Rangers will be highly visible, approachable and proactive, helping people navigate the Park, connect with services and get the most from their working day,” he said.
“They are much more than a traditional security team; they are ambassadors for Milton Park and an important part of creating a safe and welcoming environment where businesses and people can thrive.”
Supporting Milton Park’s next phase
The launch comes as Milton Park continues to develop its offer as a destination for innovation-led businesses.
The Park Rangers’ new base is located at the recently opened Signal Yard development, moving from the former Security Hut which had served the site for more than 25 years.
Signal Yard brings together independent food, drink, health, wellbeing, retail and everyday services across 17 units, alongside outdoor space designed for events and community activity.
The development is intended to support a more connected workplace environment, giving employees more opportunities to meet, collaborate and access services during the working day.
Colin Cox, head of security at Milton Park, said the introduction of the Park Rangers represented the next stage in the evolution of the team.
“Of course, keeping people and companies safe remains fundamental, but this is equally about creating a welcoming environment and being there to help whenever we’re needed,” he said.
Part of Oxfordshire’s innovation landscape
Located close to Didcot and around 12 miles south of Oxford, Milton Park is one of the key employment locations within Oxfordshire’s Science Vale corridor.
With nearly three million square feet of commercial space across 300 acres, the site plays an important role in supporting the county’s science and technology economy.
The introduction of the Park Rangers follows wider investment aimed at strengthening the experience of businesses based at Milton Park, as the site continues to grow as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
