A derelict retail park on the edge of Oxford is set for demolition as fences have been put up around the site. 

The former DFS and Carpetright units in Botley Road are being flattened to make way for a multi-million pound scheme for new offices.

The new development will be used for a wide variety of research and development work, from life sciences to tech and manufacturing.

Demolition company Colemans told the Oxford Mail that the demolition works would last for 15 weeks, having started on November 11. 

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Botley Road retail park in 2022 (Image: Google Street View) On Tuesday, November 19, lorries could be seen turning into the former retail park, with temporary site offices being put up near the entrance. 

The development, from Mission Street, is for 16,992 sq metres of workspace which seek to meet the needs of Oxford’s growing innovation, tech and life science workers.

The team behind the plans chose the units in Botley Road because of their proximity to the city centre and railway station, as well as the opportunity to redevelop the retail units both for Oxford’s economy and the local community.

This is a separate application to the scheme currently with Oxford City Council's planning officers for a swathe of new offices and labs on the site of Currys PC World, ScrewFix, Bensons for Beds, Pets at Home and Wren Kitchens.

The developer estimates that, if planning permission is granted next year, construction could start in 2026 with the buildings finished in 2028. 

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby