November 13, 2024

Nova, Oxford, achieves a UK first with a perfect 100% score on its BREEAM Outstanding certificate

Wrenbridge and Buccleuch have achieved a UK first with their BREEAM Outstanding scheme, which was forward committed by IM Properties. The project scored a perfect 100% on the final BREEAM Certificate, marking it as the highest certified assessment in the UK.

Strategically positioned in a prime location, Nova is close to two of Oxford’s most influential science areas – Oxford Science Park and Arc Oxford.

The BREEAM Outstanding certification demonstrates the ongoing commitment of all parties to bringing forward market- leading, highly sustainable developments, by attaining a perfect score.

For Wrenbridge and Buccleuch, who have delivered multiple developments over a decade of business together, this is another proud milestone. For IM Properties, it underlines its belief in their ambitious plans to transform the site into a new best in class, state of the art 45,000sq/ft facility for mid-tech, R&D and lab use, bringing the site back into economic use.

Wrenbridge and Buccleuch partnered up a couple of years ago to acquire the former gas holder site from SGN, in a prime location on the outskirts of Oxford. The gas holder was decommissioned and demolished and delivering their vision began.

Due to the former use and challenging nature of the site, Wrenbridge engaged with the Local Authority right from the project’s outset, working collaboratively with the land contamination officer as well as the EA. Planning permission and funding by IM Properties followed and construction then commenced in the summer of 2023, with Parkway (Main Contractor) achieving Practical Completion in March 2024.

Alistair Dunsdon, Director of Wrenbridge comments: “We are absolutely delighted to have turned our ambitious vision into a reality, through this landmark development. To be recognised as the first ever scheme to achieve a 100% BREEAM certificate is remarkable and something we are extremely proud of. This achievement was made possible by the innovation, commitment and collaboration with our trusted partners Buccleuch, our BREEAM consultant – Eight Versa, our Main Contractor – Parkway and the whole design team, they have all been sensational!”

James Feltham, Director of Wrenbridge adds: “We are constantly pushing ourselves to provide the best possible buildings to suit occupiers’ requirements with a keen focus on sustainability, this achievement is testament to that. We hope that this sets the benchmark going forward and that we can continue to improve our product along with our trusted and valued design team and contractors.”

Sandy Smith, Development Director at Buccleuch Property comments: “We are so pleased to have delivered another successful project with Wrenbridge, and in doing so, transforming what was a redundant gas holding tower into the UK’s highest scoring BREEAM project ever. Working collaboratively with all stakeholders has really helped deliver the vision that we and Wrenbridge had for this asset, and we are delighted to have funded another deal with IM Properties.”

Nova adds to its green credentials with on-site renewables, 46 cycle parking spaces and 25 percent of its 50-space car park allocated for electric vehicles.  It’s sustainable design and attractive setting within a wildlife garden with pond and landscaped breakout and amenity space, also puts social responsibility and employee wellbeing front and centre.

Agents acting on Nova, available for immediate occupation include Carter Jonas and Colliers International.