Current Projects
These focus on:
For more information on this project go to https://lifeandmind.web.ox.ac.uk/
Computer Generated Image of the Life and Mind Building (LaMB)
Two new buildings have been developed at Begbroke Science Park, providing c. 135,000 sq ft of space for commercial research companies to grow and further facilities for OU research.
One building at c. 54,000 sq ft will provide academic facilities, and the second building at 81,000 sq ft will be for commercial space.
The £55m project has been designed by architects NBBJ and is being delivered by Mace.
The project successfully concluded in February 2024, marking an important step forward for Begbroke Science Park’s development.
Designed by architect fjmtstudio, OUD is delivering over 70 new two- and three-bedroom houses for graduate students as well as refurbishing 10 study rooms in the Mansion House for single students.
As well as creating high-quality new housing, the project is delivering many other benefits:
Access to the nearby University-owned woodland is being maintained for local people, and there has been careful planning to ensure there will be no negative impact on the wildlife there.
The c. £26m project is led by Jeremy Titchen at OUD and the main contractor is Feltham Construction. It is on track for delivery by the start of the 2024/25 academic year.
Designed by architects NBBJ and project managed by LGIM RA, the LaMB will see c. £200m invested to deliver c. 268,000 sq ft of research space and academic facilities.
The design promotes engagement between the departments of research and education, providing an inviting space to support innovative thinking and multi-disciplinary communication including:
laboratories and testing spaces
café
exhibition space
offices
conference facilities
teaching spaces and labs
glasshouses
study and social space
herbarium archives and research spaces
flexible space for future expansion
a major new public plaza
The LaMB was topped out in early 2023 and is expected to be handed over by Wates to Oxford University for fit out end Q4 2024, occupation and operation are currently being programmed by the University with intended use planned by Q2 2025.
The project is led by Mike Coplowe.
Background
Since 1999 the University’s Science Park at Begbroke, five miles from Oxford city centre, between Yarnton and Woodstock, has been home to a wide range of research and development activities, playing a vital role in the local, regional and national economy.
Begbroke Science Park is a fully integrated research and development facility, where world-class university scientists work with industry decision-makers and entrepreneurs to turn cutting-edge research into commercial opportunities.
It is the only science park in Oxfordshire wholly owned and managed by Oxford University and is a cross-departmental research facility with 12,000m² of office/laboratory space for research groups and high-tech science-based businesses and spinouts, and a conference venue and business training centre.
It is already home to more than 20 research groups in engineering, materials and life sciences as well as around 30 high-tech companies.
It hosts innovation and enterprise initiatives and provides a space where academic theory is converted into business practice by nurturing up-and-coming science-based industries.
The Science Park sits at the centre of 190 hectares of land earmarked in Cherwell District Council’s Local Plan Partial Review for a high-quality mixed-use development.
The aim is to deliver a range of research and development facilities, new homes and associated social and physical infrastructure, including schools, community centres, space for leisure and recreation, and excellent sustainable transport links to Oxford.
This proposed wider development will create a new and cohesive community that responds to both Oxford’s housing needs and the economic attraction of the Science Park as a place to live, work, and foster innovation and enterprise.
Following the extensive consultations summarised in the links below, OUD submitting an outline planning application for Begbroke Innovation District in July 2023.
For more information on the project email: begbroke@oud.co.uk or phone: 0800 298 7040