Harry Pickering’s Post

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Portfolio Director | Head of UK Investment at Pioneer Group

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

Crown Estate to turn Oxford Debenhams store into science lab

Crown Estate to turn Oxford Debenhams store into science lab

ft.com

Yet 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

Oliver s'Jacob

Private Equity Real Estate lawyer, assisting investors & operators with complex and high value real estate-focused deals.

7mo

Congratulations and a pleasure working with you on this, Harry!

Raj Deb

Principal, Science and Technology at Perkins&Will

7mo

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.

Ben Haller

Fund Management at DTZ Investors

6mo

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.

Nick Stewart

Director at Steerforth Ltd

7mo

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! 👍

Simon Radford

Consultant/ Advisor; RICS Governing Council Member; Ustinov College, Durham University Advisory Board Member; Bluecastle Capital Senior Advisor.

7mo

Well done to all involved putting together what will be a hugely successful development I’m sure.

Well done Harry (and everyone involved) 🤗

Jake Ford

Head of Business Development | HR Smith

7mo

Good work Harry. More of this is needed to rebuild the UKs scientific and engineering capabilities.

Richard Todd

Head of the Built Environment for Bidwells | OxPropFest Property Leader of the Year 2021

7mo

Well done Harry and the team. As you say - Game Changing! Congratulations to all.

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