A new office development is taking shape on the site of the former Lucy's factory in Jericho, Oxford. Eagle House will be only the second office development in the city in the last 15 years, following the recent opening of offices in Park End Street, and will create space for about 150 new jobs.

And marketing agent Richard Venables of VSL & Partners believes the development is fulfiling a need for quality office accommodation in central Oxford.

He said: "We estimate there is less than 20,000 sq ft of office space to let in the city centre, mainly involving small or secondary buildings.

"Over the last two years there has been a renaissance in city centre office requirements as companies look to benefit from public transport access, as well as high calibre postgraduate staff.

"We calculate current city centre requirements total at least 50,000 sq ft and many of the companies trying to find new office accommodation have been forced to take temporary serviced space as an alternative."

Eagle House will cover a total of 21,183 sq ft and will have 21 underground parking spaces, as well as ample bicycle parking and a roof terrace for corporate events, offering panoramic views.

A strong emphasis on the environment is also being incorporated into the construction with solar panelling and heat recovery systems for heating and cooling.

The building, which will be completed by November, is owned by Lucy Properties and is already attracting strong interest.

It will be available either as a single unit, or it could be split into separate offices.

Ian Ashcroft of Lucy Properties said: "This is a statement building which will add to the rich heritage of the area and continues the Lucy link with Jericho."