Magdalen College has appointed science and business park specialist Piers Scrimshaw-Wright to the new role of managing director at The Oxford Science Park, responsible for asset management and the ambitious development plans for an additional 300,000+ sq ft of office and laboratory space.
Piers, a qualified chartered surveyor, has over 20 years’ experience with a strong background in development and asset management, and nine years as a principal at Arlington Securities and Goodman Group.
At Arlington, Piers successfully developed Uxbridge Business Park, which included significant lettings to two ‘blue chip’ pharmaceutical companies. He led major acquisitions in Edinburgh and Birmingham, and in 2004 he was integral to the acquisition and management of Colworth Science Park. He was appointed Arlington’s Science Park development director in 2006 and led the acquisition of Harwell Oxford in 2007. Piers was then promoted to development director of Goodman European Business Parks, responsible for an ambitious development programme in France and Spain. Since leaving Goodman in 2009, Piers has been involved in two start-up companies with one focused on several renowned UK Science Parks. Most recently he was a development consultant at Oxford City Council. Piers began his career at GVA in London and left as an associate in 2000 to join Arlington.
Piers joins following Magdalen College’s recent acquisition of the remaining 50% of the Park from M&G Real Estate to own 100% of the Park for £18.1 million.
Rory Maw, bursar, director, The Oxford Science Park Ltd said: “We warmly welcome Piers to The Oxford Science Park. Following our recent acquisition to own 100% of the Park, we continue to invest hugely into the Park’s offices and laboratory offering, and the amenities. We identified the role of managing director to lead our on-site team who look after all our occupiers’ needs, and to deliver our ambitious development plans. With the well-being of employees now a major factor in business decision-making, Piers will be responsible for ensuring that the Park continues to provide an environment that inspires creativity and entrepreneurship. His understanding of both the property and science and technology sectors will be of huge benefit to all.”
Piers Scrimshaw-Wright, managing director, The Oxford Science Park said: “I have always admired The Oxford Science Park and its exceptional environment and amenity offering. I look forward to fostering a rich commercial eco-system and to developing Magdalen College’s ambitious plans to provide additional office and laboratory accommodation that will allow businesses to prosper and grow in a unique entrepreneurial context.”
