Planning permission approved for 100,000 sq ft lab space at 1-12 Magdalen Street, Oxford

Bidwells advised on planning and are appointed as project managers for the scheme, with work at 1-12 Magdalen Street is due to start in 2027 with a targeted completion in 2029. 

Alongside a range of labs, the building will also feature dedicated conference and events space, including a ‘Showcase Lab’ in the heart of the development for OSE companies to make science and innovation more visible and accessible to younger audiences. 

The development is a partnership between The Crown Estate, Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprises. Perkins & Will have been appointed as Architect for the development. 

Sam Potts, Head of Oxford at Bidwells said: “The 1-12 Magdalen Street development will provide world-class facilities in the heart of Oxford. Not only will high quality lab provision add to Oxford’s position as a globally leading science cluster, but provide a space for university spin-outs to innovate and for the local community to learn more about the ever-evolving sector. We are excited to begin works next year.” 

Bidwells’ award-winning Planning team worked alongside the partnership from inception through to the successful granting of planning permission for this landmark development, coordinating engagement with the City Council. Jonathan Bainbridge, Bidwells’ Partner, Planning, said: “Situated in the heart of Oxford’s conservation are, our planning team coordinated our in-house heritage, townscape and social-value expertise to present a positive case for new flues amongst the Dreaming Spires. We also utilised our social-value expertise to prepare a case which overwhelmingly demonstrated the social and economic benefits of the proposal. In particular, seeking to celebrate Oxford’s world leading research, whilst providing space for hands-on engagement, inspiring the next generation of local talent to follow careers in science and technology. Even in this historic core, this approach to the planning story enabled a delegated decision whilst delivering opportunity for Oxford’s communities.”