Developer Hartwell has secured planning approval for its £44m masterplan to expand Wootton Science Park near Oxford with new lab, workspace and wellbeing facilities for growing science and tech firms.

The scheme, designed by Scott Brownrigg, will deliver more than 106,000 sq ft across five new buildings aimed at SMEs in life sciences, quantum, AI and sustainability sectors.

Plans include landscaped areas, a bistro, gym and bike storage, with work expected to start soon following Vale of White Horse District Council’s approval.

Hartwell, which has owned the park since 1975, said the speculative development would support local jobs during construction due to start soon.

The consultant team includes Ridge, Newmark, IMA, Macfarlane and Associates, Aspect Ecology, Hoare Lea and Campbell Reith.