The Oxford Science Park

Life Sciences
The Oxford Science Park

Delivering sustainable, future-ready laboratories at Oxford Science Park

Location: Oxford, UK

Scope: MEP

Value: £40M

Laying the Foundations for Innovation

Phoenix ME has been appointed to undertake the full design, offsite prefabrication, installation and commissioning of the Shell & Core Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health and Fire Protection / Detection Systems at Oxford Science Park. The development spans three new buildings on greenfield land within the wider science park campus — known as Building 1, Building 2 and Building 3 — with a combined total net internal area of approximately 400,000ft². Each building includes shared undercroft parking, a ground floor, three upper levels and rooftop plant space.

This is a shell and core project that also includes employer landlord fit out and rooftop plant installations, with Phoenix ME also responsible for the external landscaping and associated infrastructure works. Designed to future-proof the park’s scientific and commercial tenants, the buildings are equipped with flexible infrastructure to accommodate varied use cases, from laboratories and offices to shared services

Delivering Complex Systems with Technical Precision

The scope of Phoenix ME’s work covers a wide range of integrated systems essential to the functionality and long-term performance of the buildings. From rainwater (siphonic and gravity) drainage and underfloor heating, to high- and low-voltage (HV/LV) systems, ventilation, lighting, and security — each component has been engineered for efficiency and durability. The inclusion of Electric Vehicle charging, PV systems, and a full BMS system demonstrates the sustainable and future-facing ambitions of the project.

Offsite prefabrication plays a key role across the development, particularly in plantrooms and risers. This approach not only improves quality and safety but also accelerates the build programme and reduces onsite disruption — critical in a science led environment. These systems are coordinated with precision, ensuring integration across all services and buildings within the scheme.

Building Systems That Perform

Phoenix ME’s commitment doesn’t end with technical delivery. The company has taken full ownership of project coordination, driving forward an MEP infrastructure strategy that seamlessly connects internal systems with the park’s wider utility and energy networks. This includes serving the three primary buildings as well as adjacent external outbuildings. By combining technical expertise with collaborative delivery, Phoenix ME is ensuring that Oxford Science Park remains a state-of-the-art hub for innovation.

The complexity of the systems — from fire alarms and hydrants to data cabling and lighting control — reflects the demands of a modern scientific workspace. The meticulous integration of systems ensures that future tenants will have access to a high-performance, responsive environment from day one.

Precision Lift of Prefabricated Riser Modules

A key highlight in the build so far has been the precision crane lift and installation of the prefabricated riser modules — a major milestone that reflects months of coordination and careful planning. Alongside the risers, Phoenix ME has also installed the Air Handling Units (AHUs), chillers and Air Source Heat Pumps, each delivered with exceptional attention to detail and engineering expertise.

Captured in an on-site video, the lift showcases the strength of collaboration across the project team — from design through to delivery. The seamless execution not only ensures programme efficiency but also reinforces the quality-first approach embedded across the project. Looking ahead, the next major milestone is the installation of the packaged plant rooms — another critical phase in bringing this forward-thinking development to life.

Installing the Prefabricated Plant Room

Phoenix ME successfully installed a 200-tonne prefabricated plant room atop Building 3 at The Oxford Science Park. Measuring 34 metres in length and 18 metres in width, the plant room was delivered in nine precision-built sections, each fabricated in the north of England and transported under escort across the country. The final installation, carried out using a 650-tonne crane assembled on site in just one day, was completed over a carefully choreographed three-day lift sequence.

The scale and complexity of the operation demanded expert coordination across every stage. From navigating narrow city routes during transport to executing two of the largest and most intricate lifts on site, the project showcased the highest levels of engineering and teamwork. Crews, crane operators and engineers worked seamlessly to deliver a striking new feature to one of the UK’s leading science and innovation hubs—demonstrating the power of collaboration in delivering technical excellence.

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Life Sciences

Delivering sustainable, future-ready laboratories at Oxford Science Park