Aurora Energy Research has agreed a 10-year lease at the 37,749 sq ft St Aldate’s Chambers building in Oxford for its new global headquarters.
The Oxford City Council-owned property, which was formerly the council’s HQ, comprises four floors and a basement and is situated in a prime location in the city centre. Aurora will move into the building following an extensive refurbishment.
Adrian Chan, senior surveyor, commercial, at Carter Jonas, which advised the council on the letting, said: “This deal solidifies Oxford’s position as a global hub for excellence, providing businesses with a platform to grow and succeed as leaders in their respective fields, as well as being a positive outcome for both the city council and Aurora. The council will benefit from a strong, long-term income stream as a result of this transaction.
“Additionally, the deal ensures that Oxford continues to have a world-class occupier that supports employment within the city and exemplifies it as a centre of innovation. This transaction will have a positive impact on the city centre office market in Oxford and create job opportunities for the local community.”
Councillor Ed Turner, cabinet member for finance and asset Management at Oxford City Council, added: “We’re delighted to have leased St Aldate’s Chamber to Aurora Energy Research. For the council, it reduces our energy bill and provides a significant long-term income stream to help fund key services in an increasingly challenging financial environment. But it also enables the city to retain a growing local business, which provides high-quality jobs for Oxford residents and wider benefits to the city’s economy.”
