The former Debenhams department store in Oxford will be turned into a science lab as part of the Crown Estate’s aim to provide “vital lab space”.

The Crown Estate has partnered with Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) and Pioneer Group to provide “much-needed science, technology and innovation workspace” in the region.

The partnership has announced its first lab development will be in Oxford with The Crown Estate’s acquisition of the former Debenhams site in the city centre to transform it into a life sciences space.

READ MORE: Power cut hits Oxfordshire as over homes left without electricity

Subject to planning permission, construction at the former Debenhams site will begin next year, with the lab space due to be fully operational by 2027/2028.

The project represents an initial investment of £125 million by The Crown Estate, marking the start of a partnership that has a long-term ambition to invest up to £1.5 billion to support the UK’s science, technology and innovation sectors. 

The initial investment will be used to transform the upper floors of the former Debenhams site into a "state-of-the-art" workspace. 

After the Debenhams chain went into administration, the three-storey Oxford branch on the corner of George Street and Magdalen Street closed early in 2021, with it not reopening after the third Covid lockdown.

Oxford Mail: The former Debenhams store in Oxford The former Debenhams store in Oxford (Image: Photo: Oxford Mail)Debenhams was the second city department store to announce its closure in quick succession as Boswells closed during the pandemic and also did not reopen.

Hannah Milne, regional managing director at The Crown Estate said: “The Debenhams site in Oxford is a prime example of how we are seeking to support regional economic growth in the UK.

“We identified a gap between the fast-paced growth of science, technology and innovation businesses and the lack of suitable and available lab space.

“By using our extensive portfolio to support growth sectors, we can have a positive impact in supporting local and national economic development.

“Oxford Science Enterprises and Pioneer Group are ideal partners to join us on this journey. We look forward to working with them and Oxford City Council to accelerate innovation and economic growth for Oxford and further afield.” 

READ MORE: Oxfordshire farm with converted barn house on market for £4.85m

Oxford Science Enterprises is one of the world’s leading builders of university spinouts, having worked alongside academic founders to found more than 80 companies created from the University of Oxford’s research.

Ed Bussey, chief executive at Oxford Science Enterprises said: “The UK’s science and technology sector is full of promising businesses with the potential to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges, but they often struggle to access the right lab or start-up space – which can be a significant barrier to entry for companies as they scale.

“As a key player in Oxford’s innovation ecosystem, we’re proud to partner with The Crown Estate and Pioneer Group to support entrepreneurs and companies working at the forefront of the UK’s science superpower strategy.

This collaboration will ensure the next generation of pioneering life science and technology companies have the necessary space to grow their operations in the heart of Oxford and continue to export world-leading research from the region to the world." 

Pioneer Group is Europe's only life sciences growth facilitator to provide a complete ecosystem of laboratory space, venture funding, strategic guidance, and state-of-the-art real estate.

Richard O'Boyle, executive director at Pioneer Group, said: "We are thrilled to partner with The Crown Estate and Oxford Science Enterprises, two industry-leading organisations, on this pioneering initiative. Our joint effort will not only transform the former Debenhams site into a leading life sciences hub but also deliver extensive developments throughout Oxford.”