A PUBLIC consultation on plans for a new £700 million “innovation district” in Oxford launched today.

Oxford North seeks to become a “unique home and workplace for scientists, technologists and inventors”.

The development was granted planning permission in March last year and the developers are now asking for people’s views on parts of the project, including laboratories, communal spaces and a public park. 

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The district will be split into three areas:

  • Canalside, a 3.58-hectare plot of land to the south of the A40 and north of Port Meadow where developer Hill Residential will build 317 homes;
  • Central (to the north of the A40 and west of the A44);
  • and Eastside (east of the A44).

Oxford North Ventures, who run the project, launched the four-week public consultation on the designs for the central area, which include laboratory buildings totalling 425,000 sq ft and public spaces.

In particular, the designs up for consultation include:

  • proposals for the central landscape including amenity spaces, trees and biodiverse planting scheme
  • a town square
  • streets across the centre of the site to include pedestrian and cycle provision and tree planting
  • amenities, co-working and small and medium-sized enterprises space 
  • laboratory buildings for science and technology companies and carbon-efficient buildings
  • blue badge and car parking, including accessible spaces, electric car charging and acoustic buffering to the A34
  • electric heating and cooling

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David Camp, chief executive officer at Stanhope, which is part of Oxford North Ventures, said: “Our proposals are intended to provide a unique place by investing in placemaking, amenities and carbon-efficient buildings to support science and technology companies at all stages of their growth and creating a welcoming, inclusive and sustainable place for everyone.

“From start-ups, entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises to large global companies, we plan to build high-quality, much-needed laboratory and workspace centred around a stunning new public park, market square and amenities.

“The project is also about playing its part in allowing Oxford, one of the world’s greatest cities, and the wider region continue to thrive by creating jobs in both construction and innovation so that we have a resilient economy.

“Oxford North is an exceptionally exciting project, and we look forward to continuing to deliver this new place for Oxford with our partners and in collaboration with the local community.

“We encourage people to see and comment on our emerging designs and visit our in-person event or join our online webinar. Feedback and comments from which will inform the details that will be submitted in our future reserved matters applications.”

To take part in the counsultation, visit https://www.oxfordnorth.com/consultation/

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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