London Oxford Airport will break ground on its brand new, self-funded R&D Science Park in January 2024. Demolition of the original buildings has already started, paving the way for the new 200,000 sq.ft. facility, which the airport hopes will appeal to next-gen aviation and technology businesses, along with other spin-outs and start-ups from the University community. Building work will complete in time to see the first companies move in during Q4, 2024. Units will be available to lease via commercial property company Savills.
Construction of a new fuel farm, which will eventually support five tanks and 425,000 litres of fuel, was completed in 2021. Plans to offer sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2024 have been confirmed.
One of its new airport tenants is OXCCU, a spin out from the University of Oxford’s Chemistry Department. OXCUU is developing a
drop-in synthetic aviation fuel, OXEFUELTM by taking atmospheric carbon dioxide and combining it with hydrogen. Using its bespoke and unique catalysts and reactors, OXCCU plans to turn H2 and CO2 into long chain hydrocarbons in one simple step.
Meanwhile, work has started on Oxford Airport’s largest tenant, Airbus Helicopters’ new 125,000 sq. ft facility. Featuring provision for photovoltaic (PV) power, the site, which comprises 66,000sq ft. hangarage, 59,000 sq. ft. office space and workshops, along with seven helipads, is expected to be complete by summer 2024, coinciding with Airbus Helicopters’ 50-year anniversary in the UK.
London Oxford Airport is wholly-owned by the Reuben Brothers. The group acquired the London Heliport, at London Battersea in 2012. It is only a 22-minute helicopter ride from the Oxford airport.
