The scheme at 1–12 Magdalen Street will see the landmark city centre building converted into around 100,000 sq ft of lab-enabled incubator and accelerator space aimed at fast-growing science and technology businesses.

Designed by Perkins&Will, the project is expected to be worth over £35m and is being developed by a partnership between The Crown Estate, Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprises.

The overhaul will retain and repurpose the historic late-19th century building, with upper floors converted into flexible laboratories and workspace. Plans also include conference facilities and a showcase laboratory designed to help engage the public with scientific research.

Existing former Debenhams building in Oxford

A major emphasis has been placed on reuse, with the existing structural frame and building envelope retained to minimise embodied carbon and reduce the environmental impact of the project.

The scheme forms part of The Crown Estate’s wider £1.5bn investment programme into science, innovation and technology sectors over the next 15 years.

Morgan Sindall will now work up detailed designs, aiming for construction to start during the first half of 2027, with the completed development due to open in 2029.

Bidwells is acting as project manager.