Plans have been submitted to the Vale of White Horse District Council to develop a further 377,000 sq ft (c35,000 sq m) of space at Grove Business Park…

The Oxford Endowment Fund acquired the existing 260,000 sq ft (24,155 sq m) Park last year with an ambition to build upon its undoubted potential and reinforce its status as an allocated strategic employment site in the Borough.

Following a successful consultation that showed strong support for the creation of new quality employment opportunities for the district, a ‘hybrid’ application has been submitted.  It includes detailed plans for three new buildings totalling 87,110 sq ft (c8,090 sq m) of Technology / R&D / Lab enhanced accommodation and an outline application for further 290,000 sq ft (c26,925 sq m) of commercial development. It also proposes improving the existing buildings and landscaping, together with providing leisure, recreation and catering facilities.

William Lawrie, Head of Property Management at Oxford University Endowment Management Ltd on behalf of the Oxford Endowment Fund, commented:

“The proposed increased in quality and scale of the park, together with the new investment and job opportunities created in the life sciences, innovation and technology sectors is a really important resource for the region.

“The proposals include plans to deliver a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ development with enhanced bio-diversity, green amenity spaces, pedestrian priorities and improved access and permeability with the adjacent residential development, which will create a sustainable campus environment for the future.”

The majority of the proposed new development site has been previously developed, firstly as a part of a World War II airfield and subsequently for research and development uses.

THE OXFORD ENDOWMENT FUND

The Oxford Endowment Fund is managed by Oxford University Endowment Management on behalf of a range of investors including the University of Oxford and many of its colleges. Further information can be found:  www.ouem.co.uk