Plan to build new science laboratory at Oxford Business Park

The developer Breakthrough Properties has submitted plans which include the ambition to demolish Trinity House building and create a “cutting edge life science building”.

The building sits at the junction of Garsington Road and John Smith Drive and is part of the Oxford Business Park.

Design for the new laboratory by architects Niazi Roden (Image: Architect Niazi Roden)

The park, known as ARC, includes more than 35 science and innovation businesses, covers 88 acres and has more than 3,500 members on campus.

The plans include demolishing the existing three storey building and replacing it with a six storey flat roof building.

A new single storey basement would need to be built so 142 parking spaces could be accommodated.

The building will be one of the first new life science buildings to be re-developed and the planning officers do not believe it will have an “overbearing” impact on neighbours’ privacy.

If given the green light later this evening, the developer would be required to contribute £398,995 towards bus services and £80,340 towards active travel improvements.

In addition to this, £329,474 will need to be contributed towards the Cowley Branch Line or equivalent local transport infrastructure.

The proposal will come before Oxford City Council’s planning committee this evening at 6pm.