The Oxford Trust has secured planning consent for the 15,198 sq ft Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford.
The new multi‑purpose facility will provide office space, R&D labs for science and tech start-ups and grow-on companies, as well as a STEM resources and preparation room. The building will be delivered on a 1.71-acre site, which is currently a car park.
Steve Burgess, CEO of The Oxford Trust, said: “We have enjoyed working with Carter Jonas on this project and are thrilled that our planning application has been given the green light. The Aspen Building will create exceptional spaces for exceptional science. The new facility at the Wood Centre for Innovation represents a significant investment for the Trust and underlines our continued commitment to the Headington Science Cluster.
“It will mean we will be able to support further scientific research, create local jobs and contribute to Oxfordshire’s impressive innovation ecosystem. It will also allow us to expand on the impact of our Science Oxford education and engagement programmes to inspire even more people about STEM.”
Nicky Brock, partner at Carter Jonas in Oxford, added: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with The Oxford Trust and are proud to have secured planning consent for the Aspen Building having previously secured consent for the Wood Centre for Innovation on the site. This exciting new building will provide modern, sustainable labs and office space, enabling cutting‑edge research and will make the best use of the site whilst achieving a biodiversity net gain on site.
“Even better, under The Oxford Trust’s charitable business model, the revenue will fund its STEM education and engagement programmes under Science Oxford and enhance the wider 15‑acre site’s biodiversity and learning facilities. We’re excited to see the Aspen Building come to life and watch how it benefits the wider community.”
The project team included ADP Architects, BSG Ecology, Landshape, Sylva Trees, Gleeds, CPW and Glanville Consulting.
