Category: News

News

Launch of new brand and online platform

Posted on by gbpark

Grove Business Park has launched its new brand and online platform and confirmed Savills as agents for the major expansion.

To mark the transformational plan to develop 377,000 sq ft (c35,000 sq m) of new space to create a life sciences and technology/innovation hub, a new branding, website, and on-site signage have been unveiled.

Recognising this transition and the exciting opportunities it brings, Savills has also been confirmed as the leasing agents for the new development, plans for which were launched in June and which have now been submitted to the Vale of White Horse District Council for approval. The plans will bring more jobs with the number of people employed on site increasing from around 1,000 to potentially almost 2,500.

The launch also includes the release of CGIs and illustrations of the new buildings, which feature on the website and show the scale and quality of the plans.

The branding and new website reflect the new proposals at the heart of the Oxfordshire Science Vale growth and the exciting new businesses and technologies that are being attracted to the region.

Upgrading site signage and improving the access, food offer and environment of the existing Park is also signposting the change and putting down an important marker for current and future businesses on the Park.

William Lawrie, Head of Property Management at Oxford University Endowment Management Ltd on behalf of the Oxford Endowment Fund who acquired the Park in 2021, commented:

“Our plan to expand and transform the quality and scale of the park, together with the new investment and job opportunities created in the life sciences, innovation and technology sectors is a really important step for us and the region.

“The new brand and signage are already a step change and the website brings it all to life, providing the vision for the new buildings we plan. So it’s great to have Savills on board to help drive the project forward.”

Charles Rowton-Lee, Head of Commercial Agency at Savills Oxford, commented:

“Having already been involved in the design and planning phase for the proposals, as well as asset management of the Park, we are looking forward to promoting the Grove Business Park story and the opportunities it brings to a wider business audience. It is already a strong and established site, but the vision for the expansion takes it to an exciting new level.”

Planning application submitted

Posted on by gbpark

Planning application submitted to expand and transform Grove Business Park

Plans have been submitted to the Vale of White Horse District Council to develop a further 377,000 sq ft (c35,000 sq m) of space at Grove Business Park to create a life sciences, technology and innovation hub at the heart of the Oxfordshire Science Vale.

The Oxford Endowment Fund acquired the existing 260,000 sq ft (24,155 sq m) Park last year with an ambition to build upon its undoubted potential and reinforce its status as an allocated strategic employment site in the Borough.

Following a successful consultation that showed strong support for the creation of new quality employment opportunities for the district, a ‘hybrid’ application has been submitted.  It includes detailed plans for three new buildings totalling 87,110 sq ft (c8,090 sq m) of Technology / R&D / Lab enhanced accommodation and an outline application for further 290,000 sq ft (c26,925 sq m) of commercial development. It also proposes improving the existing buildings and landscaping, together with providing leisure, recreation and catering facilities.

William Lawrie, Head of Property Management at Oxford University Endowment Management Ltd on behalf of the Oxford Endowment Fund, commented:

“The proposed increased in quality and scale of the park, together with the new investment and job opportunities created in the life sciences, innovation and technology sectors is a really important resource for the region.

“The proposals include plans to deliver a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ development with enhanced bio-diversity, green amenity spaces, pedestrian priorities and improved access and permeability with the adjacent residential development, which will create a sustainable campus environment for the future.”

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.

THE OXFORD ENDOWMENT FUND

The Oxford Endowment Fund is managed by Oxford University Endowment Management on behalf of a range of investors including the University of Oxford and many of its colleges. Further information can be found:  www.ouem.co.uk

Expansion plans welcomed

Posted on by gbpark

Expansions plans are welcomed at Exhibition and Open Day

A series of presentations and a public open day on June 7th and 8th to exhibit the plans to expand Grove Business Park had a great response. 

More than 20 businesses from the Park, 21 local district and parish councillors and over 60 representatives of local organisations and members of the public attended the events. 

A spokesman for the Oxford Endowment Fund:  

“Feedback across all sessions was very positive with the planned increased in scale and quality of the park, together with the new investment and quality of jobs created in the life sciences, innovation and technology sectors welcomed by all.” 

“The proposals for improving access and permeability with the adjacent residential development were particularly strongly supported.  

“There was feedback across a range of issues which are being assessed and which will be encompassed within the planning application.” 

The plans on show included improving the existing buildings, landscaping, amenities and infrastructure of the park, as well as some 32,773 sq m of proposed new development. 

The new development would provide modern floorspace comprising of offices and research and development areas for Life Sciences, Technology and Innovation businesses. 

Plans go on show

Posted on by gbpark

Plans to expand and transform Grove Business Park to go on show at Boston House  

The Oxford Endowment Fund, which recently acquired Grove Business Park with an ambition to build upon the Park’s undoubted potential and reinforce its status as an allocated strategic employment site in the Vale of White Horse Borough, announced consultation events to take place on 7th and 8th June at Boston House at the Park. 

The plans include improving the existing buildings, landscaping, amenities and infrastructure of the Park, as well as some 376,900 sq ft, 35,015 sm of proposed new development, which is largely commercial floorspace comprising life sciences/offices, research and development, light industrial and leisure uses, to provide high quality jobs for local people and create a sustainable campus environment for the future. 

The development and design project team will share and consult with people about the proposals to redevelop the ‘brownfield site’* at the north of the existing Park, along with a prominent site at the entrance to the Park, which were previously granted planning consent in 2016, but has recently expired. The site was originally part of a wider World War II airfield.