London Oxford Airport
London Oxford Airport is a regional and business aviation airport that sits to the north of Oxford. S&P were approached by Oxford Aviation Services to explore redevelopment opportunities for the southern portion of the site, with a focus on providing new energy-efficient, fit-for-purpose units for a rich and varied campus environment. With three large buildings and several former Ministry of Defence buildings, the site is surrounded by further units and industrial estates, including Oxford Motor Park, the Station Field Industrial Estate, and Oxford Technology Park.
Alongside a team of consultants, we produced several masterplans to test feasibility and demonstrate the impact of varying unit sizes and compositions on flexibility, efficiency and design quality for the end user. Phased delivery of the development was important to ensure access to parking and existing buildings continued during construction.
Our proposal recommended a ‘gateway’ development of three types of building, with a range of designs, facilities and floorplate sizes. This not only meant adaptable spaces suitable for a range of clients but made the site more visually interesting. An occupier could take a whole building, combine more than one unit, a single unit, or a single floor.
The quality of the scheme was demonstrated by strong BREEAM and sustainability aspirations. Solar shading and orientation, surface water attenuation, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and PV panels all helped minimise energy demand across the site. Walking and cycling were promoted to minimise the site’s carbon footprint, with secure cycle parking and EV and cycle charging points.
At every point, our proposal placed the people who would be working there, and their visitors, at the heart of our thinking. Working within the framework of Green Belt requirements, the scheme significantly improved and increased the existing landscaping and addressed the disconnect between the north and south sides of the site. Integrating a series of spaces, routes and views through the site made for a pleasant environment to work in. The impact of the development on longer ranging views, with native trees providing screening and biodiversity, helped to settle the scheme into its surroundings. Finally, our proposal included a new central courtyard and café, a flexible venue and social space for the site’s occupants.
