Science Minister Lord Vallance has endorsed Oxford North as a cornerstone of the government’s growth strategy following a visit to the £1.2 billion global innovation district on Monday 09 February.
The visit highlighted the development’s growing national significance and its role within the Oxford–Cambridge corridor.
Oxford North has continued to gather momentum since its official opening in September by Lord Hague of Richmond, attracting strong tenant interest while delivering tangible economic and cultural benefits.
To date, the development has supported 2,123 construction jobs and introduced Olafur Eliasson’s first permanent public artwork in the UK, unveiled within the newly created two-acre Fallaize Park.
During the visit, Lord Vallance said: “Oxford North is a hotbed for innovation which will help us secure the UK’s status as a global powerhouse in industries like quantum computing and life sciences.
“All the right ingredients are here – from infrastructure and talent to opportunity and innovation and this new site will empower talented teams to realise their potential and drive British-made breakthroughs.”
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 a gross development value of £1.2 billion, the scheme is designed to support the full lifecycle of innovation, from early-stage university spin-outs to multinational corporations.
The first phase of the development has now been completed, delivering 158,500 sq ft of space across two purpose-built laboratory buildings and The Red Hall. The four-storey workspace includes an 80-seat café and a 100-seat townhall, providing flexible environments for collaboration, research and business growth.
Simon Ruck, Managing Director of Oxford North Ventures, said: “Lord Vallance’s visit to see our first phase open including the fitted laboratories, is testament to the national significance of Oxford North.
“His recognition of our role in the government’s growth strategy validates our vision to deliver world-class infrastructure that supports the full lifecycle of innovation, from university spin outs to multinational corporations.
“This visit underscores the critical importance of purpose-built regional innovation districts in maintaining the UK’s global competitive edge in science and technology.”
When complete, Oxford North will deliver up to one million sq ft of laboratory and office accommodation alongside 480 new homes, a hotel, nursery, three public parks and a range of amenities. Designed as a vibrant, seven-day-a-week neighbourhood, the district aims to support the next generation of science and technology innovators.
The site benefits from strong connectivity, located 15 minutes by bicycle from Oxford city centre and close to Oxford Parkway Station on the East West Rail corridor, providing access to 343,000 people within a 30-minute commute.
