Work starts on Oxford Trust’s innovation centre

Working on behalf of The Oxford Trust, Beard Construction has started work on a £7 million expansion of the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington.

Known as the Aspen Building, the 1,600m² facility will provide high quality laboratory and office space over two floors and will also feature a STEM resources room.

Set alongside 15 acres of woodland, the building will target BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and include photovoltaic roof panels, a green wall, rainwater harvesting (supplying water for toilets), cycle parking, and shower and locker facilities.

Steve Burgess, The Oxford Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The facility will offer essential lab and office space for start-up science and tech companies, helping to strengthen the Headington Science Cluster and wider innovation ecosystem.”

Dean Averies, Director at Beard Construction, added: “As a family-owned business, supporting clients who make a positive impact to society and communities in which they’re based means a great deal to us.

“Our team has an exceptional track record of delivering spaces of excellence for learning and innovation across all our operating areas. We’re looking forward to working with The Oxford Trust to deliver its vision for spaces that support the thriving science ecosystem that colleagues have supported so well over the years.”

The Aspen Building is targeting completion in early summer 2026.