The Hornbill Building, a brand-new Grade A office development in the heart of the UK’s science, technology and innovation cluster at Culham Campus in Oxfordshire, has reached practical completion.
Culham Campus, which is owned and managed by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is already home to a wealth of innovative businesses operating within the fusion and advanced technology sectors. The delivery of the Hornbill Building is a key component of the campus’s growth strategy, enhancing its appeal to forward-thinking organisations dedicated to advancing the UK’s goal of becoming a global leader in fusion energy.
With 69,519 sq ft of office accommodation, the development is split over four floors and will provide advanced technology and engineering occupiers with premium research and development space in a fully electric facility designed to be EPC A-rated.
A standout feature of the Hornbill Building is its ground floor, which includes an additional 23,976 sq ft of opportunity space capable of accommodating large-scale research apparatus. Private access to the opportunity space is available, with a service yard supported by its own access road.
The Hornbill Building is situated next to a 262-space multi-storey car park and benefits from a cat A+ fit-out, flexible floorplates, LED lighting and amenities, including 13 shower rooms.
The new building is located nearby the entrance to Culham Campus, providing occupiers with excellent access to core campus activity and amenities, including catering, meeting rooms, an on-site nursery and preschool, and gyms. Businesses in the Hornbill Building will also benefit from its strategic location, which is adjacent to the new UKAEA office building.
The Campus is well serviced by transport links, located off the A415 east of Abingdon and within easy access to the A34 and M40. It is a ten-minute walk from Culham railway station and under an hour from London by rail or road.
The building is being brought to market by global real estate firm, Avison Young.
Ruth Elliot, Chief Financial Officer at UK Atomic Energy Authority, said:
“The Hornbill Building reaching practical completion is another key milestone on our journey to evolve Culham Campus into a major international science and innovation campus where researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs come together to drive progress.
“We all have a shared vision of supporting fusion energy, advanced technology and engineering to advance the UK’s goal of becoming a global leader in fusion energy.”
James Carey, Surveyor at Avison Young, added:
“We’re delighted to bring this unique opportunity to market for occupiers in the fusion and advanced technology sectors.
“The Hornbill Building offers an unrivalled location, right in the heart of the action within the UK’s Science Golden Triangle of Oxford, Cambridge and London. The building has been designed with sustainability at the forefront, ready to exceed future energy standards. We’re looking forward to working with the UKAEA to find occupiers who can fill this building with world-leading research and innovation.”
Derek Gilby, Head of Long Income at Legal & General Asset Management, commented:
“As part of Legal & General’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in the UK, we’re proud to support the ongoing development of Oxford’s Culham Campus – a centre of enterprise for start-ups through to major international organisations.
“Our collaboration with UKAEA aligns with our broader strategy of investing in science and technology hubs such as South Oxfordshire. This milestone builds on our existing £4 billion partnership with the University of Oxford, enabling us to create assets such as housing and innovation facilities to support job creation, grow local economies, all while delivering long-term value for our pension commitments and the wider community. The completion of Culham Campus demonstrates how successful economic growth can be delivered through close collaboration between the public and private sector.”
Find out more about the Hornbill Building by visiting www.thehornbillbuilding.com
For all viewings and further information, please contact Angus Malcomson at Avison Young on angus.malcolmson@avisonyoung.com
For further information on this release, please contact:
Elliot Ramsey, Active Profile: elliot.ramsey@activeprofile.co.uk / 07415 900 406
About Culham Campus:
Culham Campus, formerly known as the Royal Naval Air Station HMS Hornbill, has a rich history dating back to its commissioning in 1944. In the late 1950s, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority selected Culham as an ideal location for a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to plasma physics and fusion research.
Today, Culham Campus is home to the largest Fusion Technology Cluster and supporting fusion energy technologies. The campus offers a stimulating environment for a thriving community of like-minded people who are passionate about making a difference across sectors including fusion energy, robotics, autonomous vehicles, aerospace and advanced technology.
It is a dynamic place that brings together industry, academia and investors focusing on high technology innovation.
About Avison Young:
Avison Young creates real economic, social, and environmental value as a global real estate advisor, powered by people. As a private company, our clients collaborate with an empowered partner who is invested in their success.
Our integrated talent realizes the full potential of real estate by using global intelligence platforms that provide clients with insights and advantage. Together, we can create healthy, productive workplaces for employees, cities that are centres for prosperity for their citizens, and built spaces and places that create a net benefit to the economy, the environment, and the community.
Avison Young is a 2022 winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club designation, having retained its Best Managed designation for eleven consecutive years.
