I'm thrilled to share the exciting news about an exclusive, game-changing partnership between Pioneer Group, The Crown Estate, and Oxford Science Enterprises. This marks the start of a partnership that has a long-term ambition to invest up to £1.5 billion to support the UK’s science, technology and innovation sectors. In our initial project together, we are transforming a former retail site in central Oxford into a state-of-the-art 100,000 sq ft innovation hub. This development is in a unique city centre position in one of the fastest growing ecosystems in the world. The repurposing of an existing disused department store is a crucial step towards providing the high-quality infrastructure needed to support Oxford's thriving science, technology and innovation sectors. This is a culmination of months of hard work to form a partnership with multiple colleagues, specialists and consultants involved. A huge thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to forge this strategy. I am looking forward to potential further projects in Oxford with Oxford Science Enterprises, and across the UK with The Crown Estate. It can not be understated how this was an enormous team effort, to name a few; some special thanks to my colleagues, members of the Oxford Science Enterprises and The Crown Estate team; Richard O'Boyle Toby Reid James Evans James Latham Tom Sheldon Pete Wilder Jim Wilkinson Alex Hammacher Matthew Weiner Geoff Ford Ben Brinded Matt Fitter. From a property perspective, it has been great being advised by Joe Wall at HampsonWall, Nick Stewart at STEERFORTH LIMITED, Sam Potts at Bidwells, Raj Deb & Daniel Parker at Perkins&Will, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, CMS & Simmons & Simmons on the legals and JLL on partnership advisory. It was also a pleasure to work with Savills and DTZ Investors on the other side of the deal. Exciting times ahead - watch this space! Explore Our Groundbreaking Partnership 👇 https://loom.ly/lyXQFtE #realestateinvestment #sciencesuperpower #humanhealth #planetaryhealth
Congratulations and a pleasure working with you on this, Harry!
Perkins & Will are delighted to be Architectural partner for the initial phases of delivering this unique ecosystem. Conversion of a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to deliver a best-in-class cohesive, vibrant research environment to foster collaboration, innovation and discovery here in the UK. Amazing work by the team.
Congratulations Harry and to everyone else on your side of the deal. Great to work with you through the transaction and we're excited to still retain an interest in the building as part of your new venture with The Crown Estate and OSE. Best of luck trough the planning and development phase as it pivots from retail to life science use.
Well done Harry Pickering and the wider team. Fantastic building and location. Great vision and exciting times ahead for Pioneer Group and The Crown Estate. As ever, a pleasure working with you and of course HampsonWall
Perfect repurposing for this space in the heart of Oxford. Congratulations On the first of its kind to all involved. Truly game changing Harry! 👍
Well done to all involved putting together what will be a hugely successful development I’m sure.
Well done Harry (and everyone involved) 🤗
Good work Harry. More of this is needed to rebuild the UKs scientific and engineering capabilities.
Well done Harry and the team. As you say - Game Changing! Congratulations to all.
Investor
7moYet to read the full article however massive well done! This is exactly the lateral thinking we need to start repurposing and navigating to the new. Best of luck with the project