In a deal set to reshape Oxford’s life sciences landscape, international law firm Trowers & Hamlins has advised the Ellison Institute of Technology, Oxford Limited (EIT) on its £890 million acquisition of the West Side of Oxford Science Park — one of the largest property transactions ever seen in the UK’s science and innovation sector.
The site, a cornerstone of Oxford’s world-renowned science and technology cluster, was acquired from The Oxford Science Park, a joint venture between Magdalen College, Oxford, and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC. The purchase marks a pivotal moment in EIT’s mission to create a global hub where science, technology and entrepreneurship converge.
A transformative expansion for Oxford’s innovation corridor
The acquisition will enable EIT to expand its Oxford footprint to over 2 million sq ft of laboratories, offices, and collaborative spaces — positioning the city as a powerhouse for research-led innovation. The development is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting international talent and investment while strengthening the UK’s life sciences ecosystem.
The new campus will advance EIT’s pioneering work across four critical global priorities:
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Health, medical science and generative biology
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Food security and sustainable agriculture
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Climate change and atmospheric CO₂ management
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Artificial intelligence and robotics
“Reimagining the path from discovery to impact”
Lisa Flashner, Chief Operating Officer at EIT Oxford, described the acquisition as a strategic leap toward a more integrated model of innovation:
“By breaking down the silos between science, research, industry and policy, the Institute is reimagining the path from scientific discovery to applied solutions which will have impact on a global scale. To achieve this, you need a great team to support you. The Trowers team have supported us from the beginning of our journey, and as such EIT has a deep, ongoing and trusted working relationship with their multi-faceted team of lawyers, resulting in the kind of intelligent and commercial decision making that only comes from fully understanding our brand and our unique vision.”
Delivering a world-class life sciences destination
Leading the transaction for Trowers & Hamlins, Partner Tom Calnan commented:
“Projects of this scale and impact don’t come around very often, and we are immensely proud to have worked once again with the EIT team. The new campus represents the next phase in Oxford’s evolution as a global innovation hub and may prove to be one of the most significant developments in the UK life sciences sector. The complexity and ambition of this deal showcased the firm’s multidisciplinary strength — combining real estate, corporate, tax, construction, and planning expertise to deliver a landmark outcome.”
A multidisciplinary collaboration
The transaction drew on expertise from across the firm, including:
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Paul Andrews – Real Estate
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Nick Harrisingh and Alison Chivers – Corporate
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Assad Maqbool – Construction
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Michael Surry – Tax
