Plans for 100,000 sq ft lab space at 1-12 Magdalen Street approved

The Crown Estate’s plans to transform the former Debenhams in Oxford city centre, located at 1-12 Magdalen Street, into a new 100,000 sq ft home for science, innovation and technology businesses was given the green light yesterday. Work is now due to start on-site in the first half of 2027, with a targeted completion in 2029.

1-12 Magdalen Street is being developed as part of The Crown Estate’s partnership with leading science and innovation developer, Pioneer Group, and renowned venture builder, Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE). Alongside a range of labs, the building will also feature dedicated conference and events space, including a ‘Showcase Lab’ in the heart of the development for OSE companies to make science and innovation more visible and accessible to younger audiences.

The partnership is also today announcing the development of a STEM outreach programme for these younger audiences, working alongside Oxford City Council to host local school groups at the ‘Showcase Lab’ and help to foster their interests in future science careers.

Kristy Lansdown, Managing Director for Development at The Crown Estate, said: “1-12 Magdalen Street will deliver world class science facilities in the heart of the city – a place with not only a rich cultural history, but one that is entrenched in the history of science and progress. Alongside our outstanding partners at Pioneer Group and OSE, we are committed to creating a best-in-class lab space for innovative start-ups and scale-ups that will strengthen Oxford’s appeal to the wider sector and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.”

Harry Pickering, Portfolio Director & Head of UK Real Estate, Pioneer Group, said: “Securing planning permission for 1–12 Magdalen Street is a significant milestone in transforming a prominent Oxford city centre site into a new home for science and innovation. Together with The Crown Estate and Oxford Science Enterprises, we are creating high-quality laboratory space that will support the next generation of breakthrough companies and strengthen Oxford’s position as one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems.”

Pete Wilder, Head of Property & Operations, Oxford Science Enterprises, said: “Oxford is one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, and with that success comes growing demand for high-quality laboratory space in central, well-connected locations. Together with The Crown Estate and Pioneer Group, we are creating a development that will provide world-class facilities in the heart of the city, enabling science and technology companies to scale while remaining embedded in the city’s unique academic and entrepreneurial network.”

The development of 1-12 Magdalen Street represents an initial investment of c.£125 million from The Crown Estate and is part of the organisation’s commitment to invest £1.5 billion into the science, innovation and technology sectors over the next 15 years.

Perkins & Will has been appointed as Architect for the development, with Bidwells acting as Project Manager.