On Monday, ARC Oxford welcomed Science Minister and recently appointed Oxford-Cambridge Innovation Champion, Sir Patrick Vallance, to campus where he learned more about the campus’ growing cluster of pioneering organisations, it’s growth plans and its decade long support for the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line.
At the start of the visit, Sir Patrick Vallance met with ARC’s Managing Director Jim Stretton, who highlighted the campus’s transformation from a traditional business park into a thriving innovation hub. The Ascent building for example is ARC Oxford’s latest lab development which will create around 115 construction jobs and once operational, will create approximately 500 jobs and contribute £38 million GVA to the economy annually.
Sir Patrick Vallance was joined by representatives from The Oxford Science Park and The Ellison Institute, and Oxford City Council as they toured the proposed site of one of two new stations that would be built if the Cowley Branch Line reopens. The project would introduce two trains per hour, linking London Marylebone with Oxford’s four key economic hubs, including, The Oxford Science Park and ARC Oxford, providing better access for talent, businesses, and investors.
Science Minister and Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion, Lord Vallance, said: “The thriving campus at ARC Oxford shows how, supported by the right infrastructure, this region’s unique combination of businesses, universities, and skills is delivering jobs and drawing in investment.
“Empowering places like this to fulfil their full potential will be a key part of unleashing the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor as a driver of economic growth, which is a central pillar of the Government’s Plan for Change.”
Jim Stretton MD of ARC added: “The transformation of ARC Oxford into a leading innovation campus has been a catalyst for growth in the area. Improved connectivity through the Cowley Branch Line will help our members to thrive by making it easier to attract talent, investment, and collaborate with other innovators. This is a critical step in positioning Oxford as a global leader in science and technology.”
Whilst at the campus, Lord Vallance also met with OMass Therapeutics an Oxford University spinout, using new technologies to develop treatments for rare and immunological diseases.
Ros Deegan CEO of OMass shared why they chose the campus for their base: “ARC Oxford understands the needs of science-led businesses, providing not just state-of-the-art facilities but also a community that fosters collaboration. The combination of high-quality lab space, on-site amenities, and access to green spaces creates an environment where innovation flourishes. Improved connectivity to the area will only strengthen our ability to attract top talent and grow our impact.”
Sir Patrick Vallance made the visit during a trip to Oxford where he visited Said Business School and Oxford Ionics.
In his role Lord Vallance works closely with government, private sector organisations and academia to encourage investment into Oxford Cambridge region.