Albion Land files plans for next Catalyst Bicester phase

Albion Land has lodged plans to add 128,000 sq ft of employment space at Catalyst Bicester technology park in Oxfordshire, marking phase four of the project. A planning application has been submitted to Cherwell District Council for three “distinctive and highly sustainable” buildings. Those will add to the 180,000 sq ft already built or under construction in the first and second phases, and the 110,000 sq ft to be built in phase three, which is starting in late 2024. The application is for land that immediately fronts the A41 and Charles Shouler Way, the road into the new Holiday Inn Express, David Lloyd Leisure and the earlier phases of Catalyst.  The phase four site has outline planning permission for more than 160,000 sq ft and is allocated in the Cherwell Local Plan for knowledge-based employment development. Albion Land said its new proposals will improve upon the existing historic planning permission, with “distinctive buildings appropriate for this high-profile location and which are designed to attract leading occupiers in the innovation and technology sector”. Occupiers at the tech park include Tesla, Evolito and Yasa. Tesla signed for 24,000 sq ft earlier this February. Simon Parsons, director of Albion Land, said: “We’re investing at Catalyst Bicester to create more high-quality buildings for the knowledge economy, more jobs and more momentum for the park.  “Phase four is about completing the park’s frontage onto the A41 and we have some distinctive buildings planned to make the most of this prestigious location at the entrance into Bicester from the motorway and A34. We hope to secure planning permission this summer so we can continue the success story and unlock even more of the park’s potential.” CBRE and Colliers are the leasing agents. Quod is advising Albion Land on planning matters for phase four, while Cornish Architects is designing the scheme. Images courtesy of Cornish/Camargue