A vacant department store building in central Oxford is set to be transformed into research facilities worth £125 million.
Oxford City Council has given full approval to proposals for 100,000 square feet of laboratory space dedicated to life sciences, innovation and technology.
The three-storey store, located at the junction of George Street and Magdalen Street, shut its doors ahead of schedule in early 2021 after the retail chain entered administration and did not resume trading following the third coronavirus lockdown. The property has remained shuttered since that time.
Following the council’s endorsement of The Crown Estate’s proposals on Thursday, construction will commence during the first six months of 2027, with an expected finish date of 2029.
Anna Railton, who serves as deputy leader of Oxford City Council, expressed support for the progress made.
She noted that most residents would appreciate seeing the premises brought back into productive use. She acknowledged that many might have favoured residential or retail occupancy instead, but highlighted that the new laboratories would draw visitors to the city centre and generate quality employment opportunities. She stated she would be pleased to see the building restored to active use.
Last year, construction firm BibbEgan Group was carrying out demolition work inside the former retail outlet in preparation for transferring the site to The Crown Estate.
The property at 1-12 Magdalen Street is being developed through a collaboration between The Crown Estate, science and innovation developer Pioneer Group, and Oxford Science Enterprises.
Alongside various laboratories, the scheme will include dedicated facilities for conferences and events, featuring a demonstration laboratory within the complex where Oxford Science Enterprises companies can demonstrate science and innovation to younger visitors in an accessible manner.
The collaboration is also unveiling a science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach initiative for young people, collaborating with the council to welcome school parties to the demonstration laboratory and nurture their interest in future scientific careers.
Kristy Lansdown, development managing director at The Crown Estate, stated that the Magdalen Street property would provide world-class scientific facilities in the city centre, an area with not only significant cultural heritage but also deep connections to scientific discovery and advancement. She noted that alongside partners at Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprises, they were dedicated to establishing first-rate laboratory accommodation for emerging and growing companies that would enhance Oxford’s attractiveness to the broader sector and make a meaningful contribution to economic expansion.
Harry Pickering, portfolio director and head of United Kingdom real estate at Pioneer Group, said obtaining planning consent for the Magdalen Street property marked an important step in converting a prominent central Oxford site into a new centre for science and innovation. He explained that together with The Crown Estate and Oxford Science Enterprises, they were developing high-quality laboratory facilities that would support upcoming breakthrough companies and reinforce Oxford’s standing as a leading global innovation hub.
Pete Wilder, head of property and operations at Oxford Science Enterprises, said Oxford ranks among the world’s premier innovation ecosystems, and this success has generated increasing need for quality laboratory accommodation in accessible central locations.
The Magdalen Street development represents an initial commitment of £125 million from The Crown Estate and forms part of the organisation’s pledge to invest £1.5 billion in science, innovation and technology sectors across the next fifteen years.