Plan for 'supercomputer' science park unveiled

Developers envision building the research and innovation district EXOq on the outskirts of Oxford

Plans to build a "supercomputer" science park on a green belt land have been unveiled at a public exhibition.

Exeter College is planning research and innovation district EXOq on the outskirts of Oxford, between the Peartree Interchange and Kidlington.

It said an analysis suggested the development would to create 7,000 jobs in the Cherwell District.

The college finance and estates bursar Nicholas Badman said the site had "unparalleled access" to Oxford Parkway Station and the city, and was "not a normal science park".

"We are intending to put in a supercomputer which will be entirely focused on the research going on at Oxford," he said.

Computing science professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, who is chair of AI@Oxford Research, said there was "ambition" to make the infrastructure available to University of Oxford researchers "at discounted rates".

"One can take almost every area of activity here, the leading edge in Oxford is in need of advanced high performance computing support," he said.

The development would also spread to the other side of Frieze Way, towards Woodstock Road, where there is an agricultural field.

"That's actually the larger part of the site," Mr Badman said.

"With a large portion of it, about 14 hectares, we're intending to create a new parkland for use by local residents.

""hat will feature a café and public amenities and we think that'll be really good for well-being and adult isolation."

Developers intend to build a new foot and cycle bridge to open up access to Oxford Parkway

Mr Badman said the developers also intended to build a new foot and cycle bridge to open up access to Oxford Parkway.

"On the west side of the site, we have access to the canal towpath for active travel both south into Oxford and north into Kidlington," he said.

"From an economic and commercial perspective, it's the best remaining large site in Oxford that is close enough to the heart of Oxford to actually put commercial people at the heart of Oxford's research ecosystem."

The public consultation at North Oxford Golf Club continues until Saturday.

The plans show EXOq situated adjacent to Oxford Parkway Station