Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme, has received approval from Oxford City Council to transform Eastpoint Business Park into a cutting-edge 200,000 sq ft life sciences campus.

The redevelopment marks Railpen’s first venture into Oxford’s burgeoning life sciences sector, following its substantial investment in Cambridge’s innovation landscape.

After acquiring Eastpoint in 2023, Railpen aims to create a flagship laboratory and office hub that will cater to the growing demand for life sciences spaces. This project is part of Railpen’s larger strategy to establish an innovation cluster across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, which includes notable developments like Devonshire Gardens and Botanic Place in Cambridge. These projects are designed to foster long-term economic and social benefits in both cities while generating strong returns for the pension scheme’s members.

The redevelopment plan, designed by Scott Brownrigg, features three four-story laboratory buildings and a single-story amenity building, offering a mix of 55% CL2 laboratories and 45% office space. This flexible layout will accommodate a variety of tenants, encouraging advanced research and collaboration. The site, located just two miles southeast of Oxford city centre and close to Oxford Business Park and Oxford Science Park, places it in a prime position for life sciences innovation.

In addition to providing cutting-edge facilities, the project will enhance the public realm, with an emphasis on pedestrian-friendly design, active ground floors, and high-quality public amenities. Railpen’s vision includes fostering stronger ties with the local community through initiatives such as a “Learning Lab,” where local students can access state-of-the-art facilities and connect with STEM professionals. The campus will also feature a publicly accessible café, social hub, and green space, creating a vibrant communal hub for both workers and residents.

With construction set to begin, the Eastpoint redevelopment is poised to become a key centre for life sciences in Oxford, further cementing Railpen’s role in shaping the region’s innovation landscape.

Railpen is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL, Wired and Smart Platinum ratings for the development, as well as Cycle Score Platinum. Additional features will include a ‘Travel and Energy hub’ to promote sustainable travel and pocket parks to enhance user wellbeing. The latest intelligent building technologies, renewable energy, and biodiverse balconies and roofscapes will reduce embodied carbon and enhance biodiversity.

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