Property Digest #3
News from the property sector, featuring Adrian James Architects, Oxford North, VSL, Howbery Park and many more.
An Architect’s View
Adrian James Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice based in the heart of Oxford. B4’s Richard Rosser met with Director, Adrian James, to find out how the pandemic has influenced the design and construction of buildings now and in the future and also discuss the growing concerns regarding skilled labour.
CBRE Announces Acquisition of VSL, Leading Oxfordshire Property Agency
Based in Oxford, UK, VSL is a market-leading commercial property consultancy that provides a comprehensive range of services to landlords and occupiers in the Oxfordshire area.
Thomas White Oxford agrees joint venture with Cadillac Fairview and Stanhope...
Thomas White Oxford Ltd, the development company of St John’s College, has agreed a 50:50 joint venture partnership with Canadian-based Cadillac Fairview, the real estate arm of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, with developer Stanhope PLC, to deliver Oxford North, Oxford, UK, the £700 million new global innovation district.
First Oxbridge spin-out takes new R&D lab space at The Oxford...
Helio Display Materials, the first joint Oxford and Cambridge university spin-out, has taken 3,266 sq ft (303 sq m) of R&D laboratory and office space at The Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington.
Dame Alison Nimmo DBE appointed to Thomas White Oxford board
Thomas White Oxford Ltd, the development company of St John’s College, has announced the appointment of Dame Alison Nimmo DBE to its board to provide property and sustainability advice across its activities, which includes Oxford North, the new £500 million global innovation district in Oxford.
Laboratory sector accounts for 50% of Oxfordshire take up
The VSL commercial property report shows that 2021 was the year that saw laboratory demand and take up soar with laboratories now accounting for 50 percent of all take up within the Oxfordshire office sector.
Shared Ownership Scheme Offers Hope for Local Home Seekers
Blenheim Estate’s shared ownership scheme at Park View, Woodstock is offering local people an affordable way to buy their own property and stay in the area.
Oxford North’s Canalside Park and new street application submitted
Thomas White Oxford (TWO), the development company of St John’s College, has submitted to Oxford City Council a reserved matters application (RMA) for construction of Canalside Park, the first of its three public parks, and a new street to provide access to the first phase of Oxford North’s new homes at Canalside, on land south of the A40.
New office building offers stunning countryside views
A new office building offering a countryside location on the edge of Oxford has come to the market.
Hedgehogs roll on from birds in Howbery’s biodiversity programme
The Howbery Business Park team is quilled to be focusing on making its grounds hedgehog friendly this year, as part of its ongoing commitment to the Nurture Biodiversity Scheme. It’s Howbery’s third year of six formally working on biodiversity initiatives, rolling on from previous initiatives focusing on bumblebees and birds. To support hedgehogs, the Howbery […]
More in Property
East Oxford Community Centre ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates completion of the...
The full redevelopment of East Oxford Community Centre is now complete. This marks the return of a beloved local community venue, boasting additional and more functional community space, a contemporary new look, and lower running costs for the Oxford City Council.
Ad-hoc co-working space and meeting rooms now available at Witney Business...
Witney Business & Innovation Centre (WBIC) is pleased to be providing additional social workspaces to enhance its current business space offerings to meet the needs of the local start-ups and businesses, continuing the legacy of Windrush House being the ‘hub’ of the community.
Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North’s inaugural student cohort celebrates their...
The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours.
From this author
Building Better Businesses: How Values, Culture and Purpose Shape Positive Impact
Hosted by Better Business Ecosystem lead Grant Hayward, B4 Members gathered to explore what it truly means to run a “better business” — one that creates meaningful impact for employees, customers, communities and the wider world. The discussion examined how organisational values, mission-driven thinking and workplace culture shape the way businesses operate and grow. Please see link at the foot of the article to a report from new B4 Members, Designed by Oxygen, which was referenced by Suzie Mills during the session.
HENLEY FESTIVAL’S SPECTACULAR LINE-UP FOR 2026
Henley Festival Presented by Hemani is thrilled to reveal a dazzling line-up for five magical summer nights from 8-12 July 2026 with headliners on its iconic Floating Stage including Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, and Alex James’ Britpop Classical.
B4 Business Development Ecosystem – Strategic Focus on Winning the Right...
Our recent Business Development Ecosystem, facilitated by the excellent Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born, brought together business owners and senior business development professionals from sectors including construction, professional services, charities and technology.




