Schemes in emerging cluster on Botley Road seek approval

British Land and Columbia Threadneedle Investments submit planning applications to create new R&D facilities and amenities.

British Land has revealed its first lab schemes in Oxford at 195 Botley Road (formerly Currys and Tapi Carpets and Floors) which aims to provide over 300,000 sq ft of space for science and technology, alongside a new café and community events space run by a social enterprise.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments propose in the region of 177,000 sq ft of R&D and office floor space (formerly New Barclay House), including a café to be run by a local operator.

Both schemes aim to modernise existing employment sites and promote paying Oxford Living Wages. They are predominantly car free and seek BREEAM Outstanding sustainability credentials. Green landscaping strategies will improve the accessibility, amenity and biodiversity of the sites.

Subject to planning, these sites would complement two R&D spaces along Botley Road brought forward by Mission St and BGO.

Further information:

British Land’s plans could be viewed at 195botleyroad.co.uk/ and now in two separate planning applications which together form this scheme. The consultation window runs to 13 Nov 2024:

• 24/02372/FUL – Units 2-5 Botley Retail Park, Lamarsh Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 0HA
Demolition of existing retail buildings and erection of a laboratory and office building for research and development (Use Class E). Provision of a cycle parking store, access, a plant, landscaping and associated works.

• 24/02371/FUL – 195 Botley Road And Units 1 And 1A Botley Retail Park, Botley Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 0HY
Demolition of existing retail buildings and erection of two laboratory and office buildings for research and development, as well as flexible ground floor commercial space (Use Class E). Provision of a cycle parking store, altered vehicular access onto Botley Road, a plant, landscaping and associated works.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments’ plans could be viewed at 234botleyroadconsultation.co.uk/ and now in a Planning application, with a consultation window on the application running to 09 Nov 2024 :

• 24/02361/FUL – New Barclay House, 234 Botley Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 0HP
Demolition of existing buildings and replacement with new building, comprising research and development/office space with ancillary commercial space (Use Class E), hard and soft landscaping, cycle and car parking and associated infrastructure.