Plans for 377,000 sq ft of new commercial space at Grove Business Park have been given the go-ahead by the Vale of White Horse District Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
The Oxford Endowment Fund acquired the existing 260,000 sq ft Park in 2022 with an ambition to build upon its undoubted potential and reinforce its status as an allocated strategic employment site in the region.
The approved development will create a modern hub for life sciences, technology and innovation businesses, with the aspiration to provide for up to 2,500 jobs. The plans encompass enhancements across the Park to existing buildings and landscaping, together with providing improved amenities as well as enhanced access and links.
Enabling works will complete in the Spring, which will be followed by construction of the first three buildings anticipated to complete in Summer 2026.
Grove Business Park is already home to a diverse group of some 40 different businesses and organisations – as well as a host of companies at its Boston House Business Centre – that represent a variety of leading industries contributing to innovation and advancement in their respective fields. The expansion will create new quality employment opportunities for the district and wider region.
“The increased scale, quality and amenity of the Park, together with the new investment and job opportunities created in the life sciences, innovation and technology sectors, are vitally important resources that will serve as a commercial focal point for Wantage and the wider Oxfordshire Science Vale.
“The plans prioritise a BREAAM ‘Excellent’ development with enhanced biodiversity, green amenity spaces, pedestrian priorities and improved access and permeability with the neighbouring residential development at Wellington Gate, which will create a vibrant and sustainable campus environment for the future.” Will Lawrie, Head of Property Management at Oxford University Endowment Management Ltd
The majority of the proposed new development site has been previously developed, firstly as a part of a World War II airfield and subsequently for research and development uses.
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