Oxford North officially launched

Oxford North is a state-of-the-art, flagship innovation district in the north of Oxford, with capacity and consent for approximately one million square feet of flexible laboratories and offices. It will also provide 480 new homes, as well as a two-acre public park named in honour of the late Professor Elizabeth Fallaize, St John's first female Fellow. The district is forecast to create more than 4,500 new jobs and to boost the economy by £150 million per year (GVA).

Oxford North will cater to the entire science, technology and AI ecosystem, from start-ups and spin-outs through to global giants, offering the full lifecycle of space, from fitted labs and turnkey solutions through to grow-on space and bespoke buildings. The development is well-positioned to capture the growing demand from a broad spectrum of companies, led by those in the AI, quantum computing, biotech and food tech sectors, to help support the growth of the UK’s life science, technology and innovation industries.

Oxford North is a joint venture between Thomas White Oxford (TWO), the development company of St John’s College, Oxford; Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, a leading global investor; and development and asset manager Stanhope. William Donger, Chief Executive Officer of TWO, has been with the project from the start, along with Chairman Bernard Taylor CBE and other Non-Executive Directors from the College.

Tuesday's opening ceremony marked the completion of the first phase of Oxford North's development, comprising two purpose-built laboratory buildings (expected to open for research in 2026), as well as the Red Hall: the iconic red-roofed centrepiece of the development. The ground floor of the Red Hall offers 25,000 sq m of amenity space, including an 80-seat café and 100-seat town hall, with workspaces available over the four floors above.

Cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony, Lord Hague said: “We’re here to celebrate this iconic addition to the region’s innovation landscape. Oxford is a unique hub with an exceptional 900-year history, and is synonymous with life-changing scientific and technological breakthroughs. The continued investment into next generation infrastructure and inclusive opportunities such as Oxford North means this an exciting time to be part of this city.”

Professor Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome and President of St John's College, described the launch as

The President also stressed that Oxford North is "a place for everyone, reflecting the original vision of Oxford City Council to create a new district for Oxford, knitted into the city and fully connected to its surroundings. This vision is coming to life through Engage, our art, culture, social value and legacy programme, to integrate into the community and inspire pupils and students to become future scientists, innovators and technologists."

The President was also interviewed by BBC Radio Oxford's Martin Eastaugh before the launch event, offering a tour of the Red Hall and reflecting on its iconic design. Further information is available via BBC News.

Further launch events will take place in October, including a talk by the Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, who designed the major public art installation for Fallaize Park. The installation, 'Your planetary assembly', consists of eight illuminated polyhedrons, representing planetary sculptures.

The College would like to congratulate all involved with the successful completion of the first phase of Oxford North's development.