Oxford Learnings
#Week29 saw the exciting news that Oxford University Development (OUD), a JV between Legal & General and Oxford University, will bring seven new research and residential development sites to the ‘city of dreaming spires’.
OUD was created to support Oxford University’s research and educational objectives, the wider Oxford community and its economy, through targeted developments – and the £4 billion joint venture focuses on four key areas: the academic estate, residential homes, infrastructure, and commercial innovation space. To give one highlight - Begbroke Science Park - will encompass 2000 new homes, two to three new schools, 1.5 million sq ft of new lab space alongside transport links and parks.
Unsurprisingly, the task of introducing these multiple sites to such a historic and protected city presented plenty of challenges. Oxford is a city rooted in history and tradition, whilst simultaneously being at the cutting edge of research and innovation, not to mention a functioning market town. For planners and developers, effectively juggling the city’s priorities has been crucial to success. A major lesson is to remain flexible in balancing the competing needs of communities in target development locations.
Anna Strongman, CEO of OUD explained, ‘speaking directly to locals and being respectful of such disparate and often contending worldviews is key to securing a productive future for the city.’ OUD’s approach could hold value for planners and developers going forward, and valuable lessons for other cities. It has constantly prioritised innovation, flexibility, and open-mindedness in its development strategy – and surely this is paying dividends to the city’s economy. To create a culture of innovation it has led with the inclusion of flexible sites, planning for spaces suitable for start-ups through to large international organisations.
Such spaces make for an exciting and inclusive melting pot. They also have the ability to adapt according to changing needs, be that of the local population or society at large, as is the case with OUD’s research facilities. Developments like these will also retain valuable businesses and innovators who would otherwise relocate due to lack of space to suit their needs, many have already moved state-side for this reason. Collaboration also plays a huge role, not least public and private partnerships – a theme Sam McClary led with in her editor’s column “the time for talk is over” in EG.
It seems that developers who prioritise flexibility and collaboration, and ultimately innovation in their strategies, they will set much needed foundations to support the UK economy and deliver much-needed growth. We hope this brings you up to speed, and enjoy your week ahead!