Morgan Sindall has been selected to deliver the transformation of a landmark city-centre building at 1–12 Magdalen Street into a major science and innovation hub.
The redevelopment will create approximately 100,000 sq ft of laboratory-enabled incubator and accelerator space designed to support fast-growing science and technology companies.
Designed by Perkins&Will, the project is expected to be worth more than £35m and is being promoted through a partnership between The Crown Estate, Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprises.
The scheme will retain and repurpose the historic late-19th-century building, converting the upper floors into flexible laboratory and workspace accommodation. Plans also include conference facilities and a showcase laboratory intended to help engage the public with scientific research and innovation.
Sustainability is a key focus of the project, with the existing structural frame and building envelope being retained wherever possible to reduce embodied carbon and minimise environmental impact.
The development forms part of The Crown Estate’s wider £1.5bn investment strategy focused on science, innovation and technology sectors over the next 15 years.
Morgan Sindall will now progress detailed design work ahead of a planned construction start in the first half of 2027, with the completed life sciences hub expected to open in 2029.