Oxford’s skyline has a bold new addition with the official opening of the Red Hall at the £1.2 billion Oxford North development, described as a hub for science, technology, and innovation. The landmark has dominated north Oxford for the past two years and was inaugurated by William Hague, chancellor of Oxford University, on Tuesday.

The site, spanning 64 acres on the city’s northern boundary, will eventually feature one million sq ft (304,800 sqm) of laboratories and office space, complemented by a public park and 480 homes. Developers anticipate the creation of over 4,500 jobs, positioning Oxford North as a “meeting point and launchpad for ambitious thinkers.”

Simon Ruck, Oxford North’s managing director, highlighted the variety of tenants showing interest, from AI and quantum computing companies to biotech and health tech firms. “It’s amazing how many people are interested not only in occupying the space but in becoming part of our community,” he told the BBC.

The Red Hall itself, described by Ruck as “very much the heart” of the district, houses a café, town hall, and serves as the focal point for scientists collaborating in a building designed for research. The opening marks the completion of the main hall and two laboratory buildings, with research expected to begin in early 2026, while three additional buildings will follow in 2027.

While some critics have called the building a “blot” on the landscape, Prof Sue Black, president of St John’s College, emphasized its iconic design: “The red is important, it’s in St John’s badge… it needs to be eye-catching. Once the other buildings are built around it, it will blend more naturally.”

The Oxford North campus also features eight striking glass sculptures representing the planets of the Solar System, designed by Studio Olafur Eliasson and mounted on 4-meter tripods.

Construction on Oxford North began in August 2021 near the A34, A40, and A44, creating a new innovation district that promises to connect scientists and innovators in a landmark space at the edge of the city, easily accessible by rail.