The plans for 377,000 square feet of new commercial space at Grove Business Park have received approval from the Vale of White Horse District Council and Oxfordshire County Council. This approval marks a significant stride in creating a modern hub for life sciences, technology, and innovation businesses, ultimately providing opportunities for up to 2,500 jobs.
The existing 260,000 square feet were acquired by the Oxford Endowment Fund in 2022 with a vision of enhancing its potential and reinforcing its status as a strategic employment site in the region. The approved development includes detailed plans for three new buildings, totaling 87,500 square feet, specifically designed for technology and lab-enhanced accommodation. Furthermore, there is an outline consent for an additional 289,500 square feet of commercial development.
The comprehensive plans also include enhancements to existing buildings and landscaping, aiming to provide improved amenities and enhanced access and links across the park. The enabling works are expected to be completed in the spring, with the construction of the first three buildings anticipated to be finished by the summer of 2026.
The project has garnered positive reactions from local councillors. Lib Dem county councillor Jane Hanna expressed enthusiasm about the investment, highlighting the creation of well-paid jobs for the community. Similarly, Lib Dem district councillor for Grove, Ron Batsone, emphasized the significance of local employment opportunities, which align with the need for residents to work closer to home, potentially reducing traffic congestion and supporting the push to reopen Grove Station.
Grove Business Park is already home to a diverse array of around 40 businesses and organizations, including companies located at its Boston House Business Centre. The expansion promises to create new quality employment opportunities for the district and surrounding regions.
Will Lawrie, head of property management at Oxford University Endowment Management on behalf of the Oxford Endowment Fund, noted that the increased scale, quality, and amenities of the park are vital resources for Wantage and the wider Oxfordshire Science Vale. The plans emphasize a sustainable campus environment with enhancements like BREAAM ‘excellent’ development standards, enhanced biodiversity, green spaces, pedestrian priorities, and improved connectivity with the neighboring residential development at Wellington Gate.
The majority of the proposed site has a history of previous development, initially serving as part of a World War II airfield and later used for research and development. Savills has been appointed as the agent for Grove Business Park.
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