Bingo-to-lab scheme in Oxford gets thumbs-up

Plans to deliver a new laboratory and office building next to Oxford Science Park have been approved by the local council. Firoka, a hospitality and real estate group, is set to demolish the existing 31,818 sq ft bingo hall at Ozone Leisure Park, which has been vacant since its closure in September 2020. The facility will be replaced by 95,659 sq ft of lab and office space. The scheme, designed by Fairhursts Design Group, features commercial facilities on the ground floor and public realm, cycle parking and electric vehicle charging points across 40 parking spaces. The Ozone complex is home to two hotels, restaurants, a cinema, bowling centre and the Kassam Football Stadium. The move responds to local, regional, and national demand for modern, purpose-built lab space. JLL, which advised Firoka on planning, said there is demand for 850,000 sq ft of lab space in the Oxford area. More planning in Oxford >> Image © Fairhursts Design Group