A new building housing a range of facilities, including a restaurant and bar has opened at the Oxford Science Park.

The Sadler Building features a double-height atrium containing a brasserie, separate bar area, and also a sandwich and coffee counter.

There are also new meeting rooms available for hire by both Science Park and external companies.

The first floor of the building provides office suites and 50 per cent of the available space has already been signed up.

The 20,000 sq ft facility is named after James Sadler, the first English balloonist.

He made his debut flight on October 4, 1784, when he took off from Christ Church Meadow in the centre of Oxford.

The balloon was estimated to have risen to a height of 3,600 ft and landed six miles away, near the village of Woodeaton.

Fittingly, a hot air balloon was on site to mark the opening, along with music and a firework display.

Rob Horsfield, park services manager, said: "The Sadler building offers a great opportunity for fine dining, not only for the Science Park but also for local people to come and enjoy."