Oxford Science Park has satisfied two of the largest requirements so far this year in the region for wet-lab-ready fully-fitted space.
Oxford Nanopore has taken a 10-year lease on 13,000 sq ft at the Sherard Building, which is owned by Kadans Science Partner. It will pay £82.5 per sq ft.
The Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford has signed a 10-year lease for 27,791 sq ft of lab and office space at Winchester House, which is majority owned by Magdalen College Oxford. It will pay £75 per sq ft.
The new interdisciplinary research and development facility is expected to accommodate future growth of the institute, which anticipates tripling its headcount over the coming years.
Rory Maw, chief executive of Oxford Science Park, said: “We are working with the EIT team to help realise its ambitious vision to solve global challenges by harnessing Oxford’s research and innovation.
“We are also delighted to see that Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which has been based at the Oxford Science Park for 15 years, is taking additional laboratory space in the Sherard Building. Supporting the growth and research of our tenants is a key priority for the park through developing new buildings, as well as helping to upgrade existing space to meet their evolving requirements.”
Oxford Science Park comprises 15 buildings, which are available to bespoke specifications, with adaptable layouts to facilitate the full spectrum of lab and office requirements. It is home to more than 100 companies active across infectious diseases, cancer, and artificial intelligence industries.
The Sherard Building is a stand-alone facility set over four floors. It was bought by Kadans in 2021 from the property arm of construction firm McAleer & Rushe and has undergone a complete refurbishment.
It sits opposite Oxford Nanopore’s headquarters in the 55,400 sq ft Gosling Building, which was constructed in 2003 and is majority owned by Magdalen College Oxford.
Winchester House was built in 2008 alongside Ellison Institute’s current building, Fletcher House. The institute is also turning around the neighbouring Littlemore House into a 213,000 sq ft facility comprising research laboratories, recreation hall, central atrium, restaurant, administrative space and storage.
In addition, the institute is looking to develop an extra facility on plot 18 on Oxford Science Park, featuring an elevated walkway joining the two sites to enhance access and allow for collaboration between the buildings.
John Bell, president for Oxford at the institute, said: “Our expansion to Winchester House will help create a collaborative, holistic work environment to propel healthcare and technological innovation.”
Cushman & Wakefield advised Oxford Science Park on the deal with the Ellison Institute.
Jamie Renison, head of life sciences agency UK at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “The Oxford Science Park promotes a culture of innovation and development among its community, offering start-up science organisations scope and opportunity to grow within the park itself.”
Hannah Davies, associate partner for science and technology at DTRE, joint leasing agents on Oxford Science Park alongside Cushman & Wakefield, said: “In Oxford, we are tracking named demand at about double what is currently available.
“There are a number of occupiers desperate to get into sustainable and flexible office and laboratory space of the kind the Oxford Science Park has to offer.”
Photo from Cushman & Wakefield
Send feedback to Evelina Grecenko
Follow Estates Gazette
