Oxford's Clarendon Centre has been boarded up as a major redevelopment of the 1980s shopping centre gathers pace.

Nottingham-based architects and interior designers, Marchini Curran Associates, has been appointed to work alongside the Lothbury Property Trust, on transforming the arcade into a new 226,547 sq ft mixed-use scheme, with a high-spec research and development facility at the centre.

The development, in partnership with Oxford Science Enterprises, will provide world-class laboratory space and serviced incubator accommodation.

It will be "a stepping stone of support" for university spin-outs and business start ups.

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Alongside the enterprise building, which comprises 50,279 sq. ft, the scheme will deliver in phases 153,406 sq. ft of student and office accommodation, alongside 22, 862 sq. ft of retail and leisure units.

A new public square with spill-out spaces for cafes and restaurants will link into historic Frewin Court.

The first phase is expected to start in H1 2023, with the aim of completion during Q2 2025.

Justin Ziegler, director at Marchini Curran Associates, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to deliver fundamental design works for what will be a central landmark in Oxford.

“The mixed-use scheme will take the current shopping centre and transform it into a professional, educational and social hub in the city, and we look forward to working closely with the Lothbury Property Trust and Oxford Science Enterprises as part of a long-standing partnership for this regeneration scheme.”

Adam Smith, executive director of Lothbury Investment Management added: “This is a milestone investment for Lothbury, which has owned the Clarendon Centre since its inception in 1985 and brings Lothbury's investors into the new and exciting life science and biomedical sectors for real estate.

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“The joint venture with Oxford Science Enterprises is the first letting within a comprehensive redevelopment project, which is planned to be implemented on a phased basis.

"The proposed development will comprise four highly sustainable buildings, bringing office, laboratory and student accommodation into the heart of Oxford city centre.”

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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