Harwell Science and Innovation Campus has published Vision 2050, its plan for how the campus will grow over the next 20+ years, and launched a second public consultation inviting local communities, businesses and stakeholders to help shape the Vision.

Building on more than eight decades of cutting-edge research, Vision 2050 shows how the 700-acre campus can continue to grow within its long-established boundaries over the coming decades. Harwell Campus has delivered more than one million sq ft of new laboratory, advanced manufacturing and workspace since 2020 reflecting the campus’ allocation as an Employment Zone in the Vale of White Horse Local Plan and emerging Joint Local Plan.

The new Vision 2050 will deliver a campus that not only provides the space and flexibility to support the companies and organisations that will be making the scientific breakthroughs of the future, but also one that is more open to the community with more public events, new amenities and better walking, cycling and transport links to the growing communities of Didcot and Wantage.

Residents, stakeholders and people who work on the campus are invited to view and comment on Vision 2050 either online on the Harwell Campus website, or in person at two drop-in public events on campus during December:

· Thursday 10th Dec from 2pm – 8pm at CO:LABS, Second Street, Harwell Campus.

· Saturday 12 December, from 10am to 2pm, at CO:LABS, Second Street, Harwell Campus.

These in-person events will allow residents and people who work on the campus to view the plans in more detail and speak to members of the campus team to ask questions and submit feedback.

Jim Stretton, Managing Director of Harwell Campus, said: “Vision 2050 is about building on Harwell’s unique scientific heritage and ensuring the campus continues to make a significant contribution to the UK’s science and innovation ambitions for decades to come. As we look towards our 100th anniversary, we have an opportunity to shape a place that supports the next generation of scientific breakthroughs and growing businesses, while delivering wider benefits for our local communities.

“Since launching the public consultation in the spring, we have received a wealth of feedback from our neighbours, scientists and the organisations that call Harwell home. Suggestions included everyday amenities, making the campus more accessible to the wider community, building on our sustainability ambitions and improving transport links. All this feedback has helped shape our updated vision. Now, as we share these plans, we want to hear whether we’ve got it right.”

Harwell Campus encourages everyone with an interest in its future to take part in the consultation and help shape a vision that reflects the needs and ambitions of the campus, its neighbours and the wider region.