Phase 1a will comprise the Red Hall which will deliver 43,500 sq ft (4,041 sq m) of co-working spaces, meeting and workspaces for science and innovation starts-ups and SMEs alongside a bar, retail units and community space, and two laboratory buildings which will total 115,000 sq ft.

Phase 1a is to target practical completion in Q2 2025.

Outline planning permission for Oxford North’s masterplan and detailed planning permission for phase 1a was granted in March 2021, while infrastructure enabling works started in August 2021 and have been completed.

Subsequent Reserved Matters Applications (RMAs) to enhance and expand the Red Hall and central landscape were approved in March and October 2023 respectively.

In addition, three new laboratory buildings, which total 458,000 sq ft (42,549 sq m), were given the green light by Oxford City Council in October 2023 and will be delivered in phase 2.

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Following these planning approvals, Oxford North Ventures, the JV between Thomas White Oxford — the development company of St John’s College, Cadillac Fairview — and Stanhope, has entered a contract with Laing O’Rourke as its construction partner to deliver phase 1a.

All components in the development will be produced using low carbon concrete which will support Oxford North’s drive to deliver a more sustainable built environment.

Martin Staehr, director of building at Laing O’Rourke, said: “We are proud to be part of this prestigious project to create a world-class science and research district.

“We will combine our experience of modern methods of construction and knowledge of this specialist sector to create carbon-efficient laboratories and workspace along with amenities.

“We look forward to working for Oxford North Ventures and with our partners to deliver this new community in the city of Oxford.”