Bicester Motion's new £50 mln (€57 mln) Innovation Quarter has been approved by Cherwell District Council.
The quarter will include seven new HQ buildings totaling 19,698 m2 and ranging in size from 697 m2 to 5,574 m2. Construction of phase one is due to start in spring 2024 and be completed by Q1 2025.
The buildings will be carbon-efficient and target BREEAM Excellent certification and EPC A rating.
They will be designed to accommodate solar panels, and will include dedicated areas for ecology and biodiversity, green spaces for staff health and wellbeing, and more than 100 bicycle parking spaces.
Bicester Motion has also committed to significant infrastructure improvements including cycle and connectivity to Bicester North station and the surrounding area.
Dan Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Motion said: ‘Today’s planning news is a significant milestone in our evolution to invest in and deliver our new Innovation Quarter. We are resolute in our focus to deliver a unique home and space for future innovating mobility pioneers, putting Bicester on the technology map, and boosting the economy in creating jobs both through construction and specifically within the future companies which join our thriving estate.’
Sebastian Johnson, head of innovation and inward investment, OxLEP said: ‘Bicester Motion is a nationally and internationally significant centre for future mobility innovation and emerging technologies. OxLEP supports and recognises the talent and expertise and research capabilities at Bicester Motion and the opportunities to grow the cluster of companies and the innovation that will impact on net zero and sustainability in future mobility. ‘
George Brown, associate, Bidwells added: ‘Bicester Motion’s firm commitment to deliver this new Innovation Quarter and specifically the first two high spec HQ buildings is welcome news for the market and those pioneering future mobility companies needing stand-out space in an unrivalled motorsport-focused place. Bicester Motion should be credited for raising the bar in Oxfordshire through their innovative masterplanning and building design and investing and delivering to meet occupier demand.’
Bicester Motion is a 180-hectare former RAF site located in the heart of Motorsport Valley in Oxfordshire and is home to more than 50 mobility technology businesses.
