Plans released for OxBio hub
A new image shows how plans for a ‘world-class’ science and tech hub on the site of the former Oxfam HQ in the city could look.
A new image shows how plans for a ‘world-class’ science and tech hub on the site of the former Oxfam HQ in the city could look.
GreyArc Investments Limited have applied to turn the building on John Smith Drive in Oxford Business Park into ‘OxBio Hub’, where science and technology companies can use the flexible lab and office space
The plans include refurbishing the building, adding an extra floor, as well as creating a gym and café area on the ground floor.
The company bought the building in 2024, and say their plans will create a significant number of job opportunities and contribute to the city’s growth.
Angus Bates, Director of GreyArc Investments and owner of OxBio Hub, said: “We are excited to commence the full refurbishment project, capturing already embodied building carbon in a truly sustainable scheme that will bring OxBio Hub to life, offering companies space from 4,000 sq.ft to 88,000 sq.ft.
“We recognise the increasing convergence between sciences and technologies, with machine learning and AI as central catalysts.
“Our location on Oxford Ring Road, close to universities and incubators like the BioEscalator, enables us to provide world-class space tailored to diverse sciences and deep tech.
“We also understand the importance of community and will be investing heavily to support the companies that choose us, ensuring they are part of a thriving, connected environment.
“Our vision is to empower innovators across disciplines to connect, collaborate and deliver breakthroughs that will shape the future.”
The plans also include providing new external stair cores and lifts, a row of columns outside the building, alterations to existing car parking and landscaping and the provision of cycle parking, bin stores and equipment stores.
Photovoltaic solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient lighting and ventilation and landscaped green areas will also be part of the development.
Oxfam previously told this newspaper that it will be moving to another smaller building on the same site to help reduce costs.
Its HQ moved to Oxford Business Park from Summertown in July 2005, and the building was sold to Sutton Council in 2016.
Thames Valley Police has raised an objection over public safety, and have asked for a number of measures, including the use of security doors to protect goods and to ensure CCTV covers the parking spaces, to be included in the plans so that they can support it.
Oxford City Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the plans in due course.
The application can be found on the city council’s planning portal with the reference number 25/01053/FUL.