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Part of Newbury’s Vodafone site to be turned into science park




Part of the site of Vodafone’s Newbury HQ is about to be turned into a new science park – backed by Saudi investors.

The project aims to transform the site into the leading business, innovation and life sciences hub along the M4 corridor, with completion anticipated in March 2026.

The Connection represents an exceptional opportunity to support forward-thinking businesses in a thriving, future-ready environment, say the Saudi backers
The Connection represents an exceptional opportunity to support forward-thinking businesses in a thriving, future-ready environment, say the Saudi backers

It will also have a fitness centre, end of trip facilities, a sunken garden and café with outdoor seating.

The surrounding landscaped grounds will be extensively remodelled to promote collaboration and innovation in the large outdoor meeting pods.

Oval Real Estate has officially begun the redevelopment of The Connection, the 38-acre 452,155 sq ft business campus in Newbury.

Originally built in 2003 as Vodafone’s global headquarters, The Connection comprises seven office buildings in total.

There will be a fitness centre and outside meeting pods
There will be a fitness centre and outside meeting pods

Following a sale-leaseback agreement in 2023, Vodafone continues to occupy four buildings under long-term leases, while Oval Real Estate has started a comprehensive refurbishment on the first of the remaining three buildings, the external campus environment and park facilities.

Developers say the redevelopment is due to take 12 months – although the plans have not met the West Berkshire Council planning system yet.

It aims to create flexible workspaces designed to attract high quality corporate tenants in innovation-led sectors such as life sciences, research and development, and technology companies.

The first building to be delivered – the 57,447 sq ft Building 1 – will feature 7,207 sq ft of co-working space, meeting rooms and adaptable office suites.

Developers say it will be up and ready in less than a year
Developers say it will be up and ready in less than a year

“Our vision is to establish The Connection as one of the premier business and innovation parks along the M4 corridor,” said Will Parry, head of investment at Oval Real Estate.

“By integrating sustainable design with state-of-the-art facilities, we aim to foster a vibrant community that supports innovation and growth.

“We can accommodate a single desk in the coworking space to a HQ campus so are excited to facilitate a thriving new business community.”

The project has Saudi financial backers in the form of Aljazira Capital.

Marco Mauri, chief investment officer at Aljazira Capital, added: “We are proud to partner with Oval Real Estate and Iqon Capital on the transformation of The Connection into a world-class destination for technology and innovation.

“This investment reflects our commitment to long-term value creation through sustainable development and strategic international partnerships.

“The UK continues to be a key market for us, and The Connection represents an exceptional opportunity to support forward-thinking businesses in a thriving, future-ready environment.”



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