An Oxford developer is hoping its latest attempt to redevelop a former pub will get the go-ahead after skewing the plans to address unmet demand for lab space in the city.
Robin Swailes Design and Development wants to knock down the two-storey 8 Hollybush Row – which as a pub was known variously as The Honey Pot, The Albion and The Adventurer before being used as offices – and replace it with a four-storey, 6,500 sq ft office and laboratory building.
“There is a substantial unmet demand for small and flexible office and related experimental/lab space, a high proportion of that demand being focussed on the city centre,” the company said in planning documents lodged with the city council.
Last year, the company had plans for a five-storey building including office space, short-stay hotel accommodation and three flats rejected over its design and height. Earlier approved plans – which have not been started – include a change to residential.
This summer, Bidwells said demand for lab space in Oxfordshire had hit a record 860,000 sq ft, but supply stood at less than 20,000 sq ft.
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