Bicester Motion, through its construction partner Kier, has practically completed the first phase of The Ranges, its latest development for innovative automotive and aviation companies, to deliver a new headquarters building for YASA, the world’s leading developer of axial flux electric motor technology.
YASA, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes Benz and a spin-out from the University of Oxford, employs more than 400 people across several sites in Oxfordshire, and includes teams in innovation, engineering, prototyping, operations, and business support functions.
Many of these teams will be due to relocate to Bicester Motion from summer 2026 upon fit-out completion of their new headquarters premises.
With uninterrupted views and direct access to the airfield, test track, and expansive green spaces, this substantial bespoke development which cost £26.8 million totals 90,000 sq ft (8,361 sq m) and has been funded by Cain International.
The project has had social value embedded from the start which has seen more than 500 construction people working on-site, with 17 new jobs created along with six apprentices which have carried out 150 apprentice weeks’ work.
A total of 605 training hours and 379 educational hours, the equivalent of 50-plus days, have been delivered with communities, local schools and colleges which include Glory Farm Primary School, The Cooper School, and Whitelands Academy.
For example, Whitelands Academy has benefited more than 80 students which included four students joining the site for work experience, providing them with professional insights and hands-on tasks to enhance their practical skills. They interacted with professionals across various fields, including project management, environmental science, and planning.
Kier’s social value team in partnership with Bicester Motion also successfully programmed and delivered a comprehensive STEM workshop for a Whitelands Academy’s entire year group which featured a school assembly followed by eight workshops encompassing informative talks and diverse construction-related STEM activities.
Kier also hosted a two-day Open Doors’ event with 30 people which included Newbury College.
Also, Kier has worked in partnership with Oxford Community Wood Recycling, Kovara Project and McCoy Contractors which has seen 18 tonnes of wood saved from the waste stream, 1.2 tonnes reused in the community for DIY and building projects, 3.6 tonnes processed into firewood and kindling and 13.2 tonnes recycled into woodchip to be used in the manufacturing of animal bedding or carbon-neutral fuel in power stations.
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer, Bicester Motion said: “Congratulations to the whole Kier team and its supply chain on completing YASA’s new HQ at The Ranges. Not only is it a stunning building and our first milestone in delivering new buildings to help shape the future of mobility, but it has been delivered on-time and to an exceptionally high standard.
“To see the positive social impact that this construction project has had in terms of sustainable construction and outreach into the community is exactly what this investment is all about – making a positive difference and creating opportunities for inclusive growth.
“We thank Cain International and also Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council for their collaborative approach to deliver this project. We are looking forward to soon handing over the keys to YASA so they can start their fit-out ahead of moving in.”
Jason Taylor, regional director, Kier said: “We are proud of our work at The Ranges and of the social value carried out as part of this fantastic project. We aim to leave a positive, lasting legacy wherever we work, and the team at Bicester Motion clearly share this vision.
“The building will be a superb new home for YASA, and the jobs, training and education delivered alongside the project make it even more special.”
The Ranges’ remaining four high-specification buildings, masterplanned specifically for innovative brands, light manufacturing, research and development, will be part of phase 2 which will total 124,000 sq ft (11,519 sq m) across four buildings.
Acting on behalf of Bicester Motion were 3D Reid, Edgars, IKS Consulting, Stantec, Motion, Nicholsons, Aurochs Ecology and Worlledge Associates.
Adalta Real and Savills are leasing agents promoting The Ranges’ phase 2.
Find out more on Bicester Motion and The Ranges development.