£125m Oxford Lab Scheme Approved on Former Debenhams Site

A £125m redevelopment of a former Debenhams store in Oxford has been approved, paving the way for a major new science and innovation hub in the city centre.

The scheme is being delivered by The Crown Estate in partnership with Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprises.

Project Overview

Located at 1–12 Magdalen Street, the development will transform the site into 100,000 sq ft of laboratory and innovation space, targeting start-ups, SMEs and academic institutions.

Designed by Perkins & Will, the scheme includes:

• Flexible laboratory and research space

• Conference and events facilities

• A ‘Showcase Lab’ designed to make science and innovation more accessible to visitors

Sustainability and Design

A key feature of the project is the retention of the existing façade, helping to reduce the scheme’s carbon footprint while preserving elements of the historic streetscape.

Programme

• 🏗️ Start on site: First half of 2027

• 🏁 Target completion: 2029

• 📍 Location: Oxford city centre

Background

The building was previously occupied by Debenhams, which closed its Oxford branch in 2021 following the retailer’s collapse.

The redevelopment forms part of wider efforts to strengthen Oxford’s position as a leading hub for science, research and innovation.