Public Consultation held on Exeter College’s proposed new home for global research, innovation and education
EXOq is a dynamic research and innovation compute environment, building on and enhancing Oxford’s international reputation, set within parkland in a highly sustainable location on land owned by Exeter College in Cherwell District.
At the heart of the proposal is Sovereign High- Performance Compute (HPC) infrastructure to power and accelerate research of global significance and its commercial development. The data centres will be quantum compatible. EXOq will support research and development in many areas requiring significant compute power and data storage capacity such as climate, advanced materials, particle physics, space and satellite technology, NHS data for drug development and the development of computer science and AI.
Beyond its strategic importance for the region and the UK, EXOq will deliver substantial benefits for local residents, including: a new park and amenities for Kidlington supporting the wellbeing of communities and tackling social isolation; a further education college providing skilled local employment opportunities in hardware and IT; a low-carbon heat facility for the area; and improved active travel links to Oxford city and Kidlington.
Burrell Foley Fischer have been working with Exeter College on the Masterplan proposals over the course of this year. They are now being shared with the public at https://www.exoq.co.uk/. All the feedback received will help to inform a planning application which will in due course be submitted to Cherwell District Council for its consideration.
An exemplar innovation district
The aim is to develop EXOq into a world-class destination for innovation which highlights the need for a tailored approach rather than simple replication.
EXOq will build on Oxford’s track record of successful spinout companies in the sector.
Innovation Hub
The proposals include a range of new facilities to support EXOq, including a dedicated Innovation Hub.
The Hub will provide space for commercial collaboration with a range of specialist facilities to encourage innovative and commercially successful spin-outs.
Shaping the future workforce
A further education college will provide opportunities for local young people.
Skills and training will focus on hardware and IT related expertise with opportunities to support EXOq operations.
The facility will build on local and national ambitions to expand educational pathways.
New amenities to work, collaborate and relax
A new hotel will offer short and long-stay accommodation for visiting industry leaders and academics.
Commercial units will serve the needs of people working and researching on site.
New wetland features like those at Stratfield Brake will be provided within the park and integrated with a community cafe, hall, and public WC facilities at the site's western edge near Oxford Canal.
