Milton Park’s long-planned Signal Yard development has secured its first anchor tenant, with Damira Dental Studios set to open a flagship practice offering care for up to 6,000 NHS patients alongside private services.
The multi-million pound amenity scheme is billed as a new kind of community hub for the science and business park, bringing together food, fitness, health and everyday services under one roof. It is being developed with inclusivity in mind: designed not just for park occupiers, but for the wider communities of Abingdon, Didcot and surrounding villages.
A new destination
Signal Yard is under construction and due to complete its base build at the end of this year, with the first occupiers opening in late 2025 ahead of a full launch in 2026.
The scheme will comprise 17 units, with interest already high: 13 are either under offer or let. Tenants will span cafés, restaurants, fitness and healthcare providers, convenience services and pop-ups.
The hub will be open into the evenings and weekends, with landscaped gardens and a dedicated outdoor events space set to host regular community activities.
Dentistry boost for NHS patients
Damira Dental Studios, which began in Oxford in 2003 and now runs 42 practices across London and the South, will open one of its most advanced surgeries at Signal Yard in late 2025.
The practice will deliver care for 6,000 NHS patients, offering routine check-ups, preventive care, cosmetic treatments such as Invisalign and implants, and children’s clinics during school holidays.
Founder and chief executive Anushika Brogan said Signal Yard’s mix of shops and services made it an “ideal, accessible location” for patients across southern Oxfordshire.
“The new practice will provide both NHS and private dentistry, all in a modern and comfortable environment. Our team looks forward to welcoming patients from Milton Park and supporting families in Abingdon, Didcot and the wider community with their oral health.”
Travel and accessibility
The scheme places a strong emphasis on sustainable travel, with EV charging bays, secure cycle storage, showers, and bus stops at the front of the hub. Milton Park also partners with Thames Travel to promote public transport access.
Milton Park’s 2040 vision
Signal Yard forms part of Milton Park’s 2040 vision, which aims to transform the business park into a 24/7 destination.
Clare Fleet, commercial surveyor at Milton Park, said the scheme had been shaped by feedback from occupiers and residents:
“The result is a space that is welcoming to everyone and uses the green space around the buildings. It reflects our ambition to transform Milton Park beyond the traditional 9 to 5, offering a vibrant environment with amenities for all.”
About Signal Yard
- Location: Milton Park, near Abingdon and Didcot
- Completion: Base build end of 2025; full launch early 2026
- Units: 17 (13 already let or under offer)
- First tenant: Damira Dental Studios, offering 6,000 NHS patient places
- Facilities: Food, fitness, healthcare, essentials, pop-ups, outdoor events space, landscaped gardens
