The five-storey building will provide lab and office space, along with 7,000ft2 of public-facing amenities, including food and beverage outlets. Credit: bohocharm/Shutterstock.

Bowmer + Kirkland, a construction and development group, has been selected as the main contractor for Fabrica, poised to become central Oxford’s ‘largest’ commercial science development.

The project, commissioned by Mission Street and BGO, is set to break ground in May, following site preparation by deconstruction and demolition services company Colemans.

Targeted for completion by early 2027, Fabrica is expected to become the UK’s largest science project initiated in the first half of 2025.

The 180,000ft² development, Fabrica, is designed to meet the highest sustainability standards, aiming for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method Outstanding, an energy performance certificate A, and WiredScore Platinum ratings.

It is claimed to become Oxford’s first living wage building, ensuring all workers are paid at or above the living wage.

Located in the West End innovation district, the five-storey building will provide lab and office space, along with 7,000ft² of public-facing amenities, including food and beverage outlets.

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Mission Street, established in 2017, specialises in science and innovation real estate while BGO is engages in investment management advisory, real-estate lending, and services.

Mission Street development director Colin Brown said: “Following a collaborative, positive procurement process, Bowmer + Kirkland will shortly take forward the science and innovation sector’s biggest construction start of 2025 so far.

“As science companies increasingly look to central Oxford for its extensive amenities and unrivalled transport connections, which will include the future link to East West Rail, Fabrica’s delivery represents a major vote of confidence in the UK market.”

In August 2024, the UK’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation announced the selection of six companies, including Bowmer and Kirkland, for constructing accommodation for the armed forces.