Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire, has reached practical completion of the £4M landlord restoration of Hangar 137 and formally handed over the keys to TeamSport, to create its latest indoor e-karting centre in Oxfordshire.
The Grade II listed structure totals 31,000sq ft and is located in the Technical Site with access from Skimmingdish Lane. Originally constructed in 1926 as a Type A aeroplane shed, it was among the first permanent end-opening hangars developed for RAF stations during the interwar period, both in the UK and overseas. It has now been restored in time to celebrate its centenary year.
The completion of works has marked another major milestone in Bicester Motion’s long-term strategy to reposition the estate as a globally significant campus for automotive, aviation and future mobility businesses.
Delivered through a retrofit-first approach, the restoration prioritised the retention and repair of historic fabric to significantly reduce embodied carbon compared with redevelopment. The historic graffiti adorning the internal walls that has been retained is one such feature that tells the narrative of the building.
The project forms part of Bicester Motion’s ESG strategy which champions the repurposing of heritage assets into commercially viable, future-facing space. The result is a fully restored 100-year-old hangar ready for immediate occupation.
Hangar 137 has been officially handed over to TeamSport, the ultimate indoor karting experience company, which has taken a lease for the whole building.
TeamSport will undertake its tenant fit-out to create a new indoor e-karting centre as part of its investment in young talent, grassroots and women in motorsport. This will include a state-of-the-art two decked, 500m electric go-karting track.
