Masterplan competition for Oxford Innovation District moves to second stage

Five teams have been shortlisted by Oxford University to work on the masterplan for a £1bn, 470-acre mixed-use innovation district at Begbroke, part of the new Oxford Innovation District. The winning team will work on a project hoped to transform the area to the north of Oxford. Begbroke Science Park is operated by Oxford University Development, a £4bn joint venture between the University of Oxford and Legal & General Capital. The site aims to provide a new setting for the university’s science and innovation campus, and will also include up to 2,000 homes, with new schools, a public park and nature reserve. The lead consultants of the shortlisted teams are Allies and Morrison, Carlo Ratti Associati, Grimshaw, Hawkins\Brown and Prior + Partners. The shortlist was selected from 40 entries. The competition is being managed by Colander Associates. Anna Strongman, chief executive of Oxford University Development, said: “Practices and collaborations grasped the challenge of creating a place of research alongside a community calling Begbroke home. We look forward to engaging with the shortlisted teams to explore ideas further in stage two.’’ To send feedback, e-mail evelina.grecenko@eg.co.uk or tweet @gre_eve