Oxford City Council has approved plans for a significant transformation at the Eastpoint Business Park, paving the way for a new life sciences hub.
- The development, designed by Scott Brownrigg, includes three laboratory buildings and an amenity structure, promising flexible spaces for various tenants.
- Railpen, managing the extensive UK railway pension scheme, spearheads this initiative, following its prior investments in the Cambridge innovation sector.
- Strategically targeting top sustainability ratings, Railpen incorporates intelligent technologies and eco-friendly features into the new design.
- Richard Van Lente of Railpen emphasises the project’s positive impact on Oxford’s STEM community, potentially enhancing research and educational interactions.
Oxford City Council’s recent decision marks a pivotal moment for Eastpoint Business Park as it transitions into a 200,000 sq ft life sciences campus. The approval signifies a commitment to bolstering the city’s scientific infrastructure, aligning with broader goals of fostering research and development environments that can support a multitude of sectors.
The architectural vision, brought to life by Scott Brownrigg, involves constructing three four-storey laboratory buildings alongside a single-storey amenity building. These facilities are meticulously planned to offer a versatile environment, adapting to the needs of different tenants. This combination of 55% CL2 laboratories and 45% office spaces ensures not only operational flexibility but also caters to the modern demands of scientific workplaces.
As part of their foray into the Oxford life sciences market, Railpen’s investment follows their established footprint in Cambridge’s innovation sector. The decision to develop this campus within Oxford underscores Railpen’s strategic initiative to expand its influence and asset base in burgeoning scientific communities across the UK.
Aiming for BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL, and Smart Platinum ratings, the development integrates state-of-the-art intelligent building technologies. These features, alongside renewable energy solutions and biodiverse roofing designs, are set to minimise embodied carbon while enhancing the site’s ecological profile. This approach reflects a forward-thinking strategy focusing on sustainability and innovation.
Richard Van Lente, Senior Asset Manager at Railpen, articulated the broader implications of the project: “There is strong demand for state-of-the-art laboratories in Oxford, which our plans for Eastpoint will help to address. More than that, however, they will make a significant contribution to the STEM sector in the city, facilitating meaningful interaction between research, commerce, education and the community.” This statement encapsulates the dual goals of meeting immediate academic and commercial needs while establishing a legacy of continuous growth and community engagement in Oxford.
Railpen’s initiative at Eastpoint Business Park is poised to bring significant advancements to Oxford’s scientific and educational landscape.
