KMA worked as the planning engagement consultant for Oxford University Development’s (OUD) new Begbroke Innovation District (BID), a contemporary development that seeks to redefine the model for a 21st century learning community. Located to the north of Oxford, BID is to provide workspace and around 1,800 new homes as part of a well-connected, leading-edge development, with a range of community facilities including new schools, shops, restaurants and other social infrastructure.

The development aims to build on the 25 year legacy of world-class Oxford University innovation at Begbroke Science Park by providing enhanced facilities and room for future expansion. Up to 155,000m2 of flexible employment space will combine new facilities for the University with space for commercial research tenants and University spin-outs.

KMA worked closely with the surrounding villages and University for over a year and a half, leading on the facilitation of in-person and digital consultation to make the planning of the development a more collaborative and transparent process. The engagement included multiple rounds of deliberative stakeholder workshop sessions and public community drop-ins.

KMA led four cycles of engagement with local stakeholders and residents of the surrounding villages. Each engagement session included detailed dialogue around key themes and review of the progressively emerging plans. The public sessions included display boards and interactive floor maps, supported by in-person and online feedback forms. The intensive stakeholder workshops included a site walkabout and detailed discussion sessions with OUD and design team members, to help inform the approach and developments of the plans.

The proposals that have emerged from this collaborative process will be highly resilient and environmentally positive – achieving net zero carbon emissions once in operation – and supporting greater biodiversity through the creation of significant open space (up to 50% of the site) that will support new wildlife habitats in the area. Public and active travel routes will link the development both to surrounding villages and into Oxford.

The Begbroke proposals have secured outline permission and have won two awards, including the Planning Award for Design Excellence and the Architzer A+ People's Choice Award for Unbuilt Masterplan.