Oxford City Council, advised by national property consultancy Carter Jonas, has secured a new occupier for St Aldate’s Chambers, Oxford, in what is considered the largest city centre letting for over a decade.
Aurora Energy Research (Aurora) has agreed a 10-year lease for the entire building for its new global headquarters. The property, which comprises 37,749 sq ft and includes four floors and a basement, is situated in a prime location, close to Carfax and High Street, and is conveniently located for access to Oxford’s main rail station. Previously used as the council’s headquarters, the building will now be occupied by Aurora, which is set to move following an extensive refurbishment.
From its Oxford academic roots, Aurora has grown to become the largest dedicated power market analytics company in Europe, providing data-driven intelligence for strategic decisions in the global energy transformation. Aurora is active in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas, working with world-leading organisations to provide comprehensive market intelligence, bespoke analytic and advisory services, and cutting-edge software.
Adrian Chan, Senior Surveyor, Commercial, Carter Jonas commented: “This deal solidifies Oxford’s position as a global hub for excellence, providing businesses with a platform to grow and succeed as leaders in their respective fields, as well as being a positive outcome for both the city council and Aurora. The council will benefit from a strong, long-term income stream as a result of this transaction. Additionally, the deal ensures that Oxford continues to have a world-class occupier that supports employment within the city and exemplifies it as a centre of innovation. This transaction will have a positive impact on the city centre office market in Oxford and create job opportunities for the local community.”
Councillor Ed Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management, said: “We’re delighted to have leased St Aldate’s Chamber to Aurora Energy Research. For the Council, it reduces our energy bill and provides a significant long-term income stream to help fund key services in an increasingly challenging financial environment.
“But it also enables the city to retain a growing local business, which provides high-quality jobs for Oxford residents and wider benefits to the city’s economy.”
