EXOq research hub to boost Oxford region by GBP £1.4 billion

A new research and innovation district, EXOq, is being planned on land owned by Exeter College near Oxford Parkway Station. The development is set to feature high-performance computing infrastructure and is expected to deliver substantial economic and employment benefits to the region.

Research focus

EXOq aims to support large-scale scientific research by creating a sovereign high-performance computing (HPC) facility. The infrastructure will be designed as quantum-compatible, supporting projects in advanced materials, health, particle physics, climate science, engineering and robotics. The connected innovation units will offer space for both established corporations and smaller enterprises to translate research into commercial applications.

The site's trusted research environment is planned to handle sensitive data, such as NHS information, to facilitate intellectual property creation. A further education college focusing on hardware and IT is included in the plans to help address local skills requirements.

Economic contribution

Preliminary analysis suggests EXOq could generate a gross value add (GVA) of around GBP £1.4 billion per year when fully operational. Of this, approximately GBP £0.9 billion would directly benefit Cherwell District. The development could create an estimated 7,000 jobs, with 4,600 of those in Cherwell District.

"This strategic development represents a significant investment in both national capability and the local community," said Dr Andrew Roe CB, Rector, Exeter College.

Community provision

The project will set aside a significant portion of its 30-hectare footprint as parkland, intended to benefit the local community. New amenities, community facilities and public spaces are planned to support wellbeing and tackle social isolation in nearby Kidlington. The parkland will also provide flood storage capacity as part of wider environmental measures.

The district will be linked to Oxford Parkway station via a new foot and cycle bridge, supporting active travel to Oxford and Kidlington. New footpaths are intended to enhance east-west connectivity, with access to canal-side walks and cycle paths.

Energy and sustainability

Sustainability considerations are integral to the proposals. The data centres will use liquid-cooling systems, with excess heat used for district heating in Oxford and Cherwell District. EXOq is in discussions with 1Energy, which is developing a city-wide low-carbon heat network backed by GBP £21 million in government investment. The aim is for the district to demonstrate low-traffic operation while providing reliable transport links.

Exeter College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford, is noted for its links to research and expertise in artificial intelligence. The project has been named EXOq, referencing both Exeter College and quantum computing.

"EXOq's sovereign HPC infrastructure will power and accelerate research of global significance and associated commercial ventures, building-on and enhancing Oxford's world-renowned status," said Nicholas Badman, Finance & Estates Bursar, Exeter College.