ARC Oxford

Enhancing a leading science and innovation campus through people-led, biodiversity-focused grounds maintenance

88-acre

research and innovation campus

5,000+

people engaged annually through on-site events

Biodiversity

initiatives including beekeeping and habitat creation

Community

garden designed to support wellbeing and connection

Surrounded by landscaped green spaces and mature trees, the site offers an inspiring and tranquil setting that supports productivity, collaboration, and wellbeing.

Spanning approximately 88 acres, ARC Oxford is easily accessible to the public via a network of walking routes and cycle paths that connect to the wider Oxford area.

More than just a workplace, ARC Oxford has an extensive ESG programme and has recently been awarded the most responsible employer in Oxfordshire award. The site and management team create a strong sense of community among its occupiers, and IPM plays an integral role in supporting this.

The opportunity

Following a competitive tender process, IPM Facilities was appointed to deliver grounds maintenance services across the campus, with a clear opportunity to enhance how outdoor spaces support both people and place.

While the existing landscape provided a strong foundation, there was potential to create a more engaging, connected environment. One that:

Encourages interaction and informal use of outdoor space
Supports wellbeing and daily experience
Creates stronger connections between occupiers and the landscape

Our solution

Engaging people through events and shared experiences

At ARC Oxford, the landscape is more than a backdrop. It is an active part of how the campus brings people together.

Working closely with the site management team, IPM supports a programme of events and engagement activities that connect people with the outdoor environment. Each year, more than 5,000 people take part in initiatives ranging from seasonal activities to biodiversity-led sessions, helping to create a more vibrant and connected campus experience.

“IPM have been an outstanding partner in supporting ARC Oxford’s community and occupier engagement initiatives. Their commitment goes far beyond delivering a standard service, consistently helping us achieve our ESG objectives while creating meaningful experiences for our tenants and visitors.” - Jodie McNamara, Community Manager, ARC Oxford.

Beekeeping and pollinator programmes

A key feature of the campus is its thriving pollinator initiative, supported by IPM’s in-house beekeeping specialists.

Managed beehives are maintained on site, with honey harvested, jarred, and shared with the campus community, local partners, and visiting schools. This creates a direct and visible connection between the landscape and the people who use it, turning biodiversity into something visible, shared and valued.

To support education and engagement, IPM works closely with the site management team to deliver initiatives such as:

“Meet the Bees” events, offering safe, hands-on learning
Honey harvesting experiences, that helps bring the pollinator programme to life
Practical insight into hive management and pollinator behaviour
Awareness of the role biodiversity plays within the local ecosystem

These initiatives help make sustainability more accessible and meaningful, while extending the value of the landscape beyond the campus itself and into the wider community.

Delivering biodiversity-led landscape management

Working closely with ARC Oxford’s estate management team, we introduced new planting schemes within the first 6 months, designed to enhance biodiversity while maintaining the campus’s high visual standards.

Using our in-house landscape architect, we developed detailed planting and maintenance plans tailored to key areas across the site. These schemes support pollinators, improve habitat connectivity, and align with the site’s wider environmental objectives.

Building on this approach, IPM worked in partnership with ARC Oxford to deliver a dedicated community garden for local charity BLAP, designed to provide a shared space for relaxation, learning and connection.

Find out more >

Supporting people behind the scenes

Alongside these visible improvements, a strong focus has been placed on the people responsible for maintaining the campus.

The existing grounds team transferred to IPM under TUPE, bringing valuable knowledge and continuity. From the start, this was supported through structured onboarding, ongoing development, and investment in improved welfare facilities, ensuring the team has a safe, well-equipped and supportive working environment.

“We are delighted to see the changes made across the park since their appointment, not just in the overall standards but within the team, who are motivated, engaged and enthusiastic in their work.” - Louise Bridge, Park Manager, ARC Oxford.

This people-first approach helps create consistency on site, while reinforcing the quality and care that underpins daily service delivery.

The results

Since mobilisation, ARC Oxford has evolved into a more active and connected campus, where the landscape plays a central role in how people interact with their environment.

Increased participation in on-site events, with over 5,000 people engaged annually.
A more visible and accessible approach to biodiversity.
Creation of shared spaces, such as the community garden, supporting wellbeing.
Stronger connection between occupiers and the landscape through regular engagement activities.
A consistent, safe and well-maintained environment that supports daily campus life.

“We trust IPM not only to deliver best-in-class grounds maintenance, but also to create fantastic experiences. We regularly receive exceptional feedback on the standards, care and passion they bring to the site.”

- Jodie McNamara, Community Manager, ARC Oxford.