Greyarc Investments has secured planning approval from Oxford City Council for the state-of-the-art refurbishment, reuse and extension of Building 2700, the former Oxfam HQ, paving the way for the creation of OxBio Hub, a prominent new innovation campus with spaces ranging from 4,000 sq.ft to 130,851 sq.ft for the sciences and deep tech sector.
The consent, which was received on Tuesday 24 February 2026, allows for the reuse and significant refurbishment of the existing building, including the erection of a new rooftop extension to create an additional floor and roof plant area with balcony space, enabling research and development and office use within Use Class E.
Approved plans include the relocation of the building’s main entrance to the southern elevation with the addition of a new colonnade, as well as architectural improvements such as alterations to fenestration, new cladding and the insertion of louvres.
A goods lift will be installed on the northern elevation, alongside external plant compounds, service enclosures, upgraded landscaping, extensive car parking and associated infrastructure, together with new cycle storage facilities.
OxBio Hub will offer CL2 lab-ready, flexible workspace designed for optimal workflow, allowing occupiers to customise spaces from 4,000 sq.ft to 130,851 sq.ft to meet specific operational needs.
Sustainability is central to the project, with the refurbishment targeting BREEAM Very Good and EPC B ratings, ISO 14001 certification and registration with the Considerate Constructors Scheme. Features will include upgraded mechanical and electrical infrastructure, photovoltaic solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, energy-efficient systems and landscaped green areas to enhance biodiversity.
Occupiers will benefit from amenities including a gym, café, meeting rooms, auditorium and internal and external breakout spaces.
Strategically located on the established Oxford Business Park, the development will also benefit from the planned reopening of the Cowley Branch Line on the Oxford Ring Road, improving connections to Oxford city centre, Oxford station and surrounding innovation districts.
Read more: Greyarc Investments unveils plans for redevelopment of Building 2700 into OxBio Hub
Angus Bates, Director of GreyArc Investments and owner of OxBio Hub, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval, a key milestone in bringing OxBio Hub to life.
“It was particularly encouraging to see that all members were very supportive and understood that by reusing, refurbishing, and extending the existing building, we are capturing embodied carbon while delivering high-quality, flexible space for companies working across sciences and deep tech.
“Oxford continues to see strong demand for well-located, adaptable laboratory and innovation space. With excellent connectivity and proximity to the city’s research institutions and talent base, OxBio Hub is well positioned to support the next generation of companies growing in Oxford.”
Works will commence with immediate effect.
