Plans have been submitted for a building in Oxford which would offer laboratory and office space for science and tech start-ups.
The plans for the Aspen Building have been submitted to Oxford City Council by The Oxford Trust in response to the increased demand for grow-on laboratory space in the city, particularly within the Headington Science Cluster.
Named in honour of the trust’s late founder Sir Martin Wood’s favourite tree, it will be located at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington.
Spanning 12,926 sq ft over two floors, it aims to accommodate burgeoning science and tech companies offering flexible CL II laboratory and office space.
The building design also includes provisions for an on-site science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) resources and preparation room.
Steve Burgess, chief executive officer at The Oxford Trust, said: "This multi-million pound investment funded by the trust underlines our commitment to the Headington Science Cluster.
"The Aspen Building will mean we can continue expanding our support of science and tech start-ups by providing high-quality research and development lab and office space for grow-on companies to further scientific research and discovery, create local jobs, and contribute to Oxfordshire’s impressive wider innovation ecosystem."
The building will feature photovoltaic roof panels, a green wall, and a rainwater harvesting system.
It will also encompass cycle parking, shower and locker facilities and aims to enhance the existing 15-acres of woodlands, ponds, and grassland with a minimum 10 per cent biodiversity net gain.
It has been designed and positioned in the site on the existing car park to fit into its surroundings by a group of architects, landscape designers, ecologists, project managers and planning consultants.
Car parking will remain at the same level and, to continue the encouragement of sustainable travel, additional rapid electric vehicle charging bays will be installed.
Mr Burgess continued: “The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation will also allow the trust to further expand the impact of its Science Oxford education programme with a new resources and preparation room to support the growing demand for outreach delivery in local schools and communities.
"We hope to inspire even more young people about the wonders of STEM.”
Glen Moses, architect and project director, ADP Architecture, added: “Our brief was to design a new carbon-efficient building with flexible laboratory and workspace to both enhance the Wood Centre for Innovation site and sit beautifully within its surroundings.
"We have worked hard with the consultancy team and carried out public consultation with the trust to ensure that the Aspen Building is low impact while helping to boost life-enhancing discovery."
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