Air your views on latest proposals for new science district

Local residents will be able to express their views on the masterplan for the proposed Innovation District around Begbroke Science Park at a series of public exhibition events (Image: Ed Nix)

Local residents will be able to express their views on the masterplan for the proposed Innovation District around Begbroke Science Park at a series of public exhibition events.

The Begbroke Innovation District is being designed by Oxford University Development (OUD) – the joint venture between the University of Oxford and Legal & General – as a 190-hectare mixed-use development.

OUD is now inviting people to provide feedback on its latest proposals in its next series of public exhibitions before submitting a design planning application in the summer of 2023.

Owned by the University of Oxford, Begbroke Science Park is home to world-class university scientists who collaborate with industry leaders and entrepreneurs on cutting-edge academic research and development.

ALSO READ: Botley Road Closure: What Motorists Need to Know

Construction is ongoing on two new buildings at the Science Park, which are expected to be completed in early 2024.

These will provide approximately 135,000 square feet of new workspace for commercial research companies to grow and additional facilities for academic research.

The exemplary master plan for the innovation district envisages around 1,800 new apartments, around 50 percent of which will be affordable.

A range of amenities and facilities includes space for two primary schools and one secondary school, as well as new cafes, restaurants, shops, gym and a pub, as well as public spaces, parks, gardens and allotments.

Three new districts will offer residential, commercial and community uses, with a new civic square surrounding the listed farmhouse and close to open spaces for sports and leisure.

OUD held in-person and online exhibitions in July and November 2022.

ALSO READ: Missing Man, 84, Causes Police Concern

The Master Planning Proposal sets out the broad framework and development parameters within which future detailed Reserved Matters proposals will be made for the phased deployment of the Innovation District over the coming years.

The story goes on

OUD said there will be another opportunity for people to review the final draft application before it’s submitted in the summer.

“With its commitment to careful and responsible stewardship over the long term, OUD will continue to work with local communities to shape the detailed proposals throughout the lifecycle of the project,” it said.

Dates and locations for the next series of public exhibition events:

Wednesday 8 March, 6pm-8pm – Begbroke Village Hall, 3 Begbroke Lane, Begbroke, OX5 1RQ

Thursday, March 9, 2-4pm – Yarnton Village Hall, The Paddocks, Yarnton, OX5 1TF

Thursday 9 March, 6pm-8pm – Kidlington Football Club, Yarnton Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AT

Anyone with questions about the drop-in sessions can contact the project team at [email protected] or by phone on 0800 298 7040.

This story was written by Miranda Norris who joined the team in 2021 and covers news from across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Contact her by email: [email protected]. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

Profile: Miranda Norris journalist news from the Oxford Mail