Oxford City Council has approved plans submitted by The Crown Estate in partnership with Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) to transform the former Debenhams department store in the city centre into a science and technology hub.
1-12 Magdalen Street
Image credit: Perkins & Will
Located at 1-12 Magdalen Street, the asset totals 100,000 sq ft and features several laboratories and dedicated conference and events spaces.
The building also includes a showcase lab for OSE companies to make science and innovation more accessible to younger audiences.
The partnership announced the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach programmes, which will be implemented alongside the council.
The development of the life sciences hub represents an initial investment of £125m from The Crown Estate and is part of the organisation’s commitment to invest £1.5bn in the science, innovation and technology sectors over the next 15 years.
Work is due to start onsite in the first half of 2027, with a completion targeted for 2029.
Perkins & Will has been appointed as architect, with Bidwells acting as project manager.
Kristy Lansdown, managing director for development at The Crown Estate, said: “1-12 Magdalen Street will deliver world-class science facilities in the heart of the city – a place with not only a rich cultural history, but one that is entrenched in the history of science and progress.
“Alongside our outstanding partners at Pioneer Group and OSE, we are committed to creating a best-in-class lab space for innovative start-ups and scale-ups that will strengthen Oxford’s appeal to the wider sector and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”
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