The Crown Estate is set to expand the Harwell science hub following its acquisition of a 221-acre site adjacent to the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
This new area, currently utilized as farmland, is designated for the development of up to 4.5 million square feet of office, laboratory, and manufacturing space, along with approximately 400 new residential units.
The Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is already home to prominent organizations, including the vaccine developer Moderna and the UK Space Agency. Over the past two years, more than 50 companies have established operations in this leading scientific hub.
The planned expansion aims to address the increasing demand for laboratory and advanced manufacturing facilities, as there is currently a shortage of space available for early-stage businesses in regions like Oxford. This limitation poses challenges for these enterprises seeking to remain and grow within the UK.
In pursuit of this development, the Crown Estate is working to secure the necessary planning permissions.
According to Dan Labbad, chief executive of the Crown Estate, “The UK”s science, innovation and technology community is pushing the boundaries of progress in areas from AI (artificial intelligence) to advanced manufacturing. But they need the specialised lab facilities and housing to realise potential. The ambition of Harwell East is to create the space for great science to flourish, and to fuel growth and success not just in the region but for the benefit of the whole country.”
Lord Vallance, the Science Minister, also emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, “Opening up Harwell East could help the brilliant businesses and innovators based here to expand and tackle the great challenges of our era, with access to the labs, facilities, and homes they need to do their work.”
The economic potential of this site is a crucial factor in the government”s commitment to fully unlock the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, aiming to serve as a catalyst for national growth.
The Crown Estate has declared its intention to invest up to £1.5 billion in the science, technology, and innovation sectors in the UK over the next 15 years. Although it operates as an independent business, it belongs to the reigning monarch and manages a property portfolio valued at £15 billion that spans the country, including properties in London”s West End. The profits generated by the Crown Estate are partially allocated to support the monarchy”s activities.
