Oxford Technology Park (OTP), the flagship science and technology park located at the heart of Oxfordshire’s 'knowledge spine', has secured planning approval for a revised configuration of its next phase of development.
The consent, submitted by Oxtec Developments Limited, enables previously approved floorspace to be reconfigured to better align with current market demand from science and technology occupiers.
The revised scheme, submitted under a Section 73 application and supported by a Non-Material Amendment, relates to amend the approved layout of Buildings 10 and 11, part of the wider consent granted under planning reference 23/00915/F.
While the overall quantum of approved development remains effectively unchanged, the updated plans allow Buildings 10 and 11 to be redesigned as four standalone units, which are subdivided into seven smaller units, each separated by internal parking, rather than two larger buildings originally envisaged. This provides greater flexibility for incoming occupiers seeking a range of unit sizes.
The total combined floorspace across the revised proposals is 16,662 sq.m, a slight reduction from the originally approved 16,909 sq.m, confirming that the amendment represents a reconfiguration rather than an expansion of the approved scheme.
As part of the revised plans, the development will now deliver a complete mix of unit sizes to suit a range of science and technology occupiers. The updated configuration provides:
- Building 10A – 17,230 sq. ft across two floors (standalone unit)
- Buildings 10B and 10C – 13,050 sq. ft each across two floors
- Buildings 11A and 11B – 10,990 sq. ft each across two floors
- Buildings 11C and 11D – 9,760 sq. ft each across two floors
Designed for flexibility, the buildings can accommodate office, R&D, laboratory and production uses. Bespoke fit-out packages are available to provide tenants with a complete turn-key solution tailored to meet tenants specific requirements.
Angus Bates, Director of Oxtec Developments Limited, said: “We are very pleased to secure approval for this revised configuration. We have registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and are targeting BREEAM Excellent, alongside achieving ISO accreditations, reaffirming our commitment to delivering buildings of the highest quality and sustainability. The new buildings maintain the high design standards set across the Park and this flexibility ensures the buildings continue to meet the needs of modern science and technology occupiers while upholding the architectural integrity expected at OTP.”
Ian Harris, Director of Asset Management at Ironstone Asset Management, the Investment Adviser to Life Science REIT, owner of OTP, commented: “These reconfigured buildings sit neatly between the scale of our Innovation Quarter units and the larger Tech Boxes, broadening the choice available to occupiers. It’s essential that we remain agile and responsive to market demand and this approval enables us to provide the right mix of spaces. It further reinforces OTP’s position as a leading destination for science and technology businesses seeking flexible, high-quality space.”
For more information about OTP, visit www.oxfordtechnologypark.co.uk.