Work to kick-start Oxford North, the new district of Oxford, will start on site in the week commencing 23 August.

Thomas White Oxford (TWO), the development company, is due to start infrastructure construction following approval from the Oxford City Council’s planning committee.

TWO has contracted Hill Group to deliver phase 1 of the enabling works contract worth £15 million, alongside the contract to deliver homes on Canalside.

This follows the news in March 2021 that Oxford City Council had granted planning permission for outline consent for the overall 64-acre masterplan and detailed consent for the first phase of commercial development, link road and new park in the Central area.

The works will include earthworks, sustainable drainage ponds, landscaping and related initial infrastructure required for the new link road construction between the A40 and A44 for the first phase of development in Central, which will provide 140,000 sq. ft of laboratories and workspace in three buildings along with the first phase of the new public park.

William Donger, director, Thomas White Oxford said: “We have the green light to start works which is a significant milestone for Oxford North. With the world’s eyes on Oxford, we are as ever committed to deliver our investment into this project, local area and City.

“These enabling works lay the ground so that future development parcels will be able to come forward without further significant earthworks being required.

"To have Hill Group contracted for both the phase 1 infrastructure and new homes on Canalside is positive delivery news for the project.

“Oxford continues to see exceptional demand for R&D lab and office space from companies of many different sizes from across the globe looking for their front door to be in Oxford.

"We are delivering a world-leading sustainable place to provide much-needed new homes, to facilitate jobs and enable life-enhancing discoveries which will deliver connectivity and growth while transforming lives and the city.”

Andy Hill, chief executive, Hill Group said: “This is a significant project for Oxford and will serve to create a new community for the City whilst generating many employment opportunities.

"We will be looking to expand the workforce to help deliver this project and welcome applicants, who will benefit from our comprehensive training and development programmes, particularly from the local area.”