Oxford University is pleased to learn that Cherwell District Council has resolved to grant outline planning consent for the proposed innovation district on the land it owns around Begbroke Science Park.
This is an important step towards achieving the University’s ambition to develop the 170-acre site into a unique new community built on research, innovation, sustainability and affordable housing.
The development is being delivered as part of the University’s joint venture with Legal & General and is managed by Oxford University Development (OUD). The University, its partners, the Council and other stakeholders will now move forward with more detailed discussions of how to make the approved masterplan a reality.
Located around Begbroke Science Park to the north of Oxford, Begbroke Innovation District will provide around 1,800 new homes, half of them classed as affordable. The development will be an important contribution to meeting the urgent need for more housing in Oxford and the surrounding area.
155,0000m2 of additional academic and innovation space is also planned, to expand Begbroke Science Park and enable more groundbreaking research, innovation and collaboration with the private sector to take place there. This follows the handover of two new buildings within the Science Park over summer 2024 – the first research facilities completed under the joint venture.
There will also be new community facilities including shops, restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities and space for sports and leisure, with half the site remaining green space to help reach the goal of increasing biodiversity by at least 20%.
More information on the planned development will be made available to staff as soon as possible.
Image by OUD/Hawkins Brown
