Plastic recycling technology company takes first suite in Wootton Science Park’s new laboratory building

Hartwell, the automotive and property development company, has owned the park since 1975 and built the first office building in 2005. In March 2024, it practically completed Origin, a two-storey CL2 laboratory building which totals 9,268 sq ft (861 sq m) and has been purposefully designed for science and technology SME companies.

DeepTech Recycling is revolutionising how the world recycles plastics through its patented chemical technology platform to solve the problem of non-recyclable plastic waste. The company’s technology can convert residual plastic waste such as crisp packets, food packaging film, trays and polystyrene which would normally be landfilled or incinerated, into oil that can be used by the petrochemical industry as feedstock for producing virgin quality plastic.

The company has taken 2,366 sq ft (207 sq m) and has relocated its technology and projects staff to be closer to Oxford’s ecosystem while maintaining its business and finance offices in London.

Marvine Besong, managing director and CTO at DeepTech Recycling said: “We focused our search for new premises in Oxfordshire because we wanted to be located in a world-leading science and technology cluster, with access to a highly skilled and professional workforce. To realise our ambitions and support for the critical global drive towards a circular economy for plastics we needed a location where we could build a long-term business. Hartwell’s vision for Wootton Science Park was completely aligned with our vision of the perfect location, so choosing Origin at the Park was an obvious decision.”

Joanne Churchill, development manager, Hartwell Plc said: “We warmly welcome DeepTech Recycling and their team to Wootton Science Park. By speculatively developing Origin and securing our first letting is testament to the whole team – consultants and our construction partner. Together we have delivered CL2 lab space to meet the high demand from pioneering SMEs needing to be close to Oxford with the advantage of being in open parkland. We are in positive discussions for the remaining three suites.”

Wootton Science Park is accessed by the A420 or A34 and is well located for Oxford, the county’s many science and business parks.

Hartwell Plc recently unveiled its £35 million Scott Brownrigg-designed masterplan vision for Wootton Science Park’s next phase of development.

Their vision is to deliver five new carbon efficient lab and workspace buildings which will total 106,233 sq ft (9,869 sq m) along with connected amenities which include landscaping, a bistro, gym, and secure bike storage, for SMEs science and technology companies and the surrounding community. A planning application has been submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council.

Feltham Construction was Origin’s construction partner and building works started in November 2023 and were completed in 52 weeks.

CBRE and Savills are the commercial leasing agents.