The Crown Estate has announced plans to expand the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire by acquiring a 221-acre site currently used for farming. This new area, known as Harwell East, is set to accommodate up to 4.5 million square feet dedicated to office space, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities, along with the construction of approximately 400 new homes.
Located adjacent to the existing Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, which hosts prominent organizations such as vaccine producer Moderna and the UK Space Agency, Harwell East has the potential to significantly enhance the region”s status as a leading science hub. Over the past two years, more than 50 new organizations have joined the campus, underscoring its rapid growth.
The Crown Estate has indicated that there is a pressing need for additional space for early-stage businesses in areas like Oxford, where limited availability can hinder their ability to operate and grow. As part of this initiative, the Crown Estate is actively pursuing planning permissions to begin development on the site.
Dan Labbad, CEO of the Crown Estate, commented, “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.”
Science Minister Lord Vallance added, “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 vast economic potential of this site underlines precisely why we are determined to fully unlock the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, as an engine for nationwide growth.”
The Crown Estate has committed to investing up to £1.5 billion in the UK”s science, technology, and innovation sectors over the next 15 years. As an independent business entity, it is owned by the monarch during their reign and manages a property portfolio valued at £15 billion, which includes significant assets in locations like London”s West End. Profits generated by the Crown Estate contribute to funding the monarchy”s activities.
