Mace, a leading construction firm, has committed to a £184m project in Oxford’s expanding science sector.
- The development will include over 400,000 square feet of laboratory and office space.
- Sustainability and occupant wellbeing are central to the project design.
- Innovative engineering solutions aim to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
- Completion is projected for the end of 2026.
Mace, a prominent name in construction, has embarked upon a significant £184m venture to develop more than 400,000 square feet of cutting-edge laboratory and office space within the prestigious Oxford Science Park. This ambitious undertaking, known as the Daubeny Project, underscores Mace’s dedication to sustainability and the wellbeing of future occupants.
In designing the Daubeny Project, Mace has prioritised sustainability as a core principle. By implementing advanced energy-efficient technologies and harnessing solar energy, the development aims to set new benchmarks for environmentally responsible construction. These features reflect a forward-thinking approach to modern construction challenges, establishing standards for future projects.
A remarkable aspect of this development is the incorporation of innovative ground engineering solutions, which are expected to save approximately 3,000 tonnes of embodied carbon compared to conventional building processes. Additionally, the construction of facades will utilise the largest quantity of recycled aluminium ever employed in a UK stick curtain wall project, potentially reducing embodied carbon by over 500 tonnes.
Originating from the University of Oxford’s Magdalen College in 1991, the Oxford Science Park stands as a beacon of research and innovation. It plays host to numerous firms at the forefront of genetics, data, and pharmaceutical developments, supported by an impressive £2.5bn in funding. The park aims to foster an environment that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable.
Robert Lemming, Mace Construct’s managing director for public sector and life sciences, remarked on the importance of the project, emphasising that these state-of-the-art facilities are designed to facilitate groundbreaking research with enduring impacts. He highlights the growing need for high-quality laboratory spaces to accommodate the demands of a burgeoning and ageing population.
Rory Maw, Oxford Science Park’s chief executive, praised Mace’s expertise in large-scale construction as pivotal to the project’s success. He articulated that the new facilities would provide essential space for life science and biotech companies to expand, benefiting from the vibrant innovation ecosystem that Oxford offers.
Mace’s Daubeny Project at Oxford Science Park promises to be a landmark in sustainable construction and scientific advancement.
