Oxfordshire Tech Edge West, Harwell

Project Overview
Tech Edge West is a 70,000 sq ft speculative mid-tech development being delivered by Glencar at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. Designed to a shell-only specification, the building provides a highly flexible platform capable of accommodating future tenant fit-outs, including mezzanine levels, clean rooms, flue systems and heavy-load installations such as cranes or multi-level office environments.

The scheme represents Glencar’s third project at Harwell, reinforcing a strong partnership with the campus and supporting its continued growth as a leading centre for science, technology and innovation in the UK.

Project Requirements
The client required a robust and adaptable mid-tech facility capable of supporting a wide range of future occupiers with varying technical and operational needs. Flexibility was central to the brief, with the building required to accommodate complex internal configurations and specialist installations while maintaining long-term resilience and efficiency.

Sustainability performance and alignment with Harwell’s ESG ambitions were also key drivers, with targets for low-carbon construction, future operational efficiency and high-quality landscape integration.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar was appointed as principal contractor under a Design and Build contract, responsible for managing the full delivery of the project from enabling works through to shell completion. This includes coordination of design development, site logistics, sustainability integration and stakeholder engagement within a live science campus environment.

Scope of Works

Enabling Works & Groundworks
Construction commenced with a six-week enabling phase, including extensive cut-and-fill operations, ground stabilisation and installation of pad foundations to prepare the site for long-term resilience and adaptability.

Building Construction
Delivery of a 70,000 sq ft steel-framed mid-tech building utilising recycled-content steel, standing seam roofing and curtain walling. The shell-only specification provides maximum flexibility for future tenant requirements.

Building Fabric & Structure
High-performance envelope design to support future specialist uses, including clean rooms, flue systems, mezzanine floors and heavy-load equipment installations.

External Works & Landscaping
Implementation of visitor-accessible parking, EV charging infrastructure, soft landscaping and site enhancements aligned with Harwell’s campus-wide ESG strategy.

Technical & Delivery Challenges
Delivering a highly flexible mid-tech facility within an operational science campus requires careful coordination of logistics, interfaces and programme sequencing. The project demands early consideration of future fit-out requirements to ensure the structure, foundations and building fabric can accommodate specialist installations without compromise.

Delivery Conditions Addressed
- Live science and innovation campus environment
- Programme-driven delivery with early enabling works
- Future-proofed structure for specialist occupiers
- Coordination with wider campus infrastructure and ESG objectives

Sustainability & ESG
Sustainability is integral to the delivery of Tech Edge West. The project is targeting BREEAM Very Good certification and net zero carbon construction, with a strong emphasis on reducing embodied carbon through recycled steel content and efficient construction methodologies. The development incorporates EV charging infrastructure, sustainable drainage measures and enhanced landscaping to support biodiversity and user wellbeing. The flexible shell design ensures long-term adaptability, extending the building’s lifecycle and reducing the need for future carbon-intensive alterations.

The Outcome
On completion, Tech Edge West will provide a highly adaptable, future-ready mid-tech facility that supports Harwell Campus’s position as a leading hub for science and innovation. The project demonstrates Glencar’s ability to deliver flexible, sustainability-led developments tailored to the evolving needs of advanced technology and research occupiers.