
Property Digest #3
News from the property sector, featuring Adrian James Architects, Oxford North, VSL, Howbery Park and many more.

An Architect’s View
Adrian James Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice based in the heart of Oxford. B4’s Richard Rosser met with Director, Adrian James, to find out how the pandemic has influenced the design and construction of buildings now and in the future and also discuss the growing concerns regarding skilled labour.

CBRE Announces Acquisition of VSL, Leading Oxfordshire Property Agency
Based in Oxford, UK, VSL is a market-leading commercial property consultancy that provides a comprehensive range of services to landlords and occupiers in the Oxfordshire area.

Thomas White Oxford agrees joint venture with Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope...
Thomas White Oxford Ltd, the development company of St John’s College, has agreed a 50:50 joint venture partnership with Canadian-based Cadillac Fairview, the real estate arm of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, with developer Stanhope PLC, to deliver Oxford North, Oxford, UK, the £700 million new global innovation district.

First Oxbridge spin-out takes new R&D lab space at The Oxford...
Helio Display Materials, the first joint Oxford and Cambridge university spin-out, has taken 3,266 sq ft (303 sq m) of R&D laboratory and office space at The Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington.

Dame Alison Nimmo DBE appointed to Thomas White Oxford board
Thomas White Oxford Ltd, the development company of St John’s College, has announced the appointment of Dame Alison Nimmo DBE to its board to provide property and sustainability advice across its activities, which includes Oxford North, the new £500 million global innovation district in Oxford.

Laboratory sector accounts for 50% of Oxfordshire take up
The VSL commercial property report shows that 2021 was the year that saw laboratory demand and take up soar with laboratories now accounting for 50 percent of all take up within the Oxfordshire office sector.

Shared Ownership Scheme Offers Hope for Local Home Seekers
Blenheim Estate’s shared ownership scheme at Park View, Woodstock is offering local people an affordable way to buy their own property and stay in the area.

Oxford North’s Canalside Park and new street application submitted
Thomas White Oxford (TWO), the development company of St John’s College, has submitted to Oxford City Council a reserved matters application (RMA) for construction of Canalside Park, the first of its three public parks, and a new street to provide access to the first phase of Oxford North’s new homes at Canalside, on land south of the A40.

New office building offers stunning countryside views
A new office building offering a countryside location on the edge of Oxford has come to the market.

Hedgehogs roll on from birds in Howbery’s biodiversity programme
The Howbery Business Park team is quilled to be focusing on making its grounds hedgehog friendly this year, as part of its ongoing commitment to the Nurture Biodiversity Scheme. It’s Howbery’s third year of six formally working on biodiversity initiatives, rolling on from previous initiatives focusing on bumblebees and birds. To support hedgehogs, the Howbery […]
More in Property

The Art of Horticulture, Design, and Woodland Creation at Nicholsons
At Nicholsons, the blend of horticultural expertise, creative design, and environmental responsibility comes together to create breathtaking landscapes and future-proof woodlands. Managing Director Liz Nicholson shares insights into how the company continues to innovate in these areas, staying true to its values of creativity, passion for the planet, and dedication.

Kingerlee: Looking Ahead – A Future Built on Excellence
Following a successful 2024, Kingerlee is looking ahead with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and delivering high-quality construction projects across Oxford and the South East. As a fifth-generation family business with over 155 years of experience, Kingerlee continues to shape the built environment while staying true to its core values of quality, integrity, and collaboration.

Daniel Parrott joins Oxford Property Consulting as Partner
Oxford Property Consulting is pleased to welcome Daniel Parrott to the team as a new partner of the business to align with growth plans across Oxfordshire and its surrounds.
From this author

Seven companies relocating to The Oxford Trust’s new Oxford Centre for...
Seven science and tech start-ups and SMEs are to move from The Oxford Trust’s current Oxford Centre for Innovation to its new location at Blue Boar Court, Alfred Street, in Oxford’s city centre.

The Numbers Don’t Lie
B4 Ecosystems are an opportunity for B4 Members to share challenges, be inspired and learn from experts in their field. They began with our Business Development Ecosystem back in March 2023, which has been lead from day one by the always impressive Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born. Caroline has been leading from the front as our other Ecosystems learn from her impressive example. Article by B4’s Richard Rosser

Bicester Motion promotes Jonty Ashworth to development director
Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire, has promoted Jonty Ashworth to development director.