UK Atomic Energy Authority appoints agent on property strategy

The UK Atomic Energy Authority has appointed Avison Young to provide investment and development advice on its property strategy. Avison Young will advise on a new framework masterplan for its Culham campus redevelopment in Oxfordshire, where the government research body intends to create a “centre of international excellence in the fast-growing fusion sector”. As part of its strategy for the campus, UKAEA is seeking to appoint a potential private sector partner this year. Through the partnership, the body will aim to “create places that accelerate innovation” in sustainable fusion energy sector. The site covers 198 acres and hosts around 40 commercial occupiers. It is part of an existing cluster focused around UKAEA’s national fusion laboratory’s headquarters. As part of Avison Young’s appointment, the firm will also advise UKAEA on the launch of the Hornbill Building on the campus, an R&D development scheduled for completion in June this year. The building is at the centre of the cluster and comprises 69,191 sq ft of office space, as well as a  22,812 sq ft rig hall that can be rented as a whole or divided into smaller sections. The Hornbill Building is fully electric and is targeting BREEAM Excellent and  EPC  ratings. Laura Loftus, director at Avison Young, said: “Our partnership with UKAEA showcases our capabilities in the science park sector and builds upon recent successes in the market. “Furthermore, working with such an ambitious organisation at the forefront of R&D fully aligns with Avison Young’s ESG approach at a human scale to help create healthy, productive, prosperous spaces and places that deliver great benefit to the economy, the environment and the community.” Tim Bestwick, deputy chief executive at UKAEA, said: “The redevelopment of Culham Campus is an important part of UKAEA’s objectives – it is becoming an international centre of innovation, scientific advancement and excellence, fostering collaboration in pursuit of a more sustainable future.” Image from PR