Bicester Motion submits plans for 10-year investment

Bicester Motion has submitted the first phase outline planning applications to Cherwell District Council as part of its proposed £1 billion gross development value, 10-year masterplan for the continued evolution of its 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire.

The applications, designed by masterplanner and architect Ridge and Partners, follow the recent public consultation on the wider masterplan proposals, which invited local residents, businesses and stakeholders to help shape the plans.

Feedback received through the consultation has informed the submitted applications and will continue to influence future phases as the masterplan evolves.

The three outline planning applications comprise:

• The Rushes – outline planning application for approximately 475,275 sq ft (44,154 sq m) of commercial, demonstration, hospitality and customer engagement space, evolving the previously consented 240,000 sq ft (22,296 sq m) into a public-facing destination where mobility and technology brands can showcase innovation
• Command Works Phase 2 – outline planning application for approximately 167,000 sq ft (15,514 sq m) of flexible employment space located between Mercedes-Benz-owned YASA’s new headquarters at The Ranges and the existing Bicester Heritage area, supporting the continued growth of businesses already based at Bicester Motion and those looking to join its community
• Motion Living – outline planning application for approximately 200 low-rise, low-density apartments, including affordable housing, totalling 289,881 sq ft (26,930 sq m) to create a sustainable live-work community to support businesses in attracting and retaining talent.

A fourth outline planning application is currently being finalised and is due to be submitted for The New Technical Site for approximately 506,140 sq ft (47,021 sq m) of research, development and scale-up space for pioneering mobility, engineering and technology businesses.

Collectively, the four outline planning applications would comprise approximately 1,440,000 sq ft of new commercial floorspace alongside around 200 new apartments, supporting amenities, enhanced biodiversity and sustainable travel infrastructure, and represent the first phase planning submissions for the proposed £1 billion GDV masterplan.

Subject to planning approval, the wider masterplan proposals are expected to boost the UK economy by £1.19 billion in gross value added (GVA) each year and create approximately 5,600 construction jobs and an estimated 7,600 jobs in the operational phases.

Together, the proposals will provide the next generation of specialist space for businesses developing past, present and future mobility technologies, strengthening Bicester Motion’s role at the heart of Motorsport Valley and the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.

The applications have been submitted in outline to establish the principles of development, with detailed designs to follow through future reserved matters applications.

Building on the £100 million invested over the past decade to restore the former RAF Bicester Aerodrome, Bicester Motion is today home to more than 50 pioneering mobility businesses employing over 500 people. The estate already benefits from an established planning framework, with the submitted applications building on existing consents to support its continued evolution.

The outline applications reflect four distinct character zones within the proposed masterplan, each fulfilling a specific role within Bicester Motion’s innovation ecosystem.

Together they would provide space for pioneering businesses to innovate, scale and manufacture; create a new public-facing destination for mobility brands; introduce a sustainable residential neighbourhood; and support continued investment, innovation and skilled employment in Oxfordshire.

The outline planning applications now will be considered by Cherwell District Council as part of the statutory planning process.

Ridge, Edgars, Nicholsons, Stantec, Motion, Aurochs Ecology, Worlledge Associates and LDA Design acted on behalf of Bicester Motion.

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Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer of Bicester Motion, said: “The submission of these first phase outline planning applications marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of Bicester Motion.

“The positive engagement we received throughout the public consultation demonstrated strong interest in our long-term vision, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their feedback. That input has helped shape these proposals and will continue to inform future phases.

“Over the past decade we have carefully restored Bicester’s remarkable former RAF base while creating a thriving community of innovators, engineers and pioneering businesses.

“These applications represent the next step in realising that vision, providing the framework for businesses to establish, scale and remain in Oxfordshire, while continuing to respect and enhance the heritage and landscape that make Bicester Motion unique and creating and boosting local skills and jobs.”

Liz Sparrow, partner and lead architect, Ridge, said: “Ridge has been working with Bicester Motion to shape the long-term vision for over a decade, and it’s a real privilege for us to be part of this important next milestone.

“Our proposed design – which works carefully with the former airfield layout and wider landscape – creates four distinct and connected areas that work together as a single ecosystem.

“This integrated approach brings together workplaces and accommodation with places to invent, build, test and showcase automotive and aviation technologies.

“This will help Bicester Motion to build on its position as one of the UK’s leading places for transport and mobility innovation, while respecting the elements that give the site its distinctive character.”