Bicester Motion has reached practical completion of the £4 million 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 31,000 sq ft (2,880 sq m) 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, 500 metre electric go-karting track.
The project, delivered by specialist construction partner Marcon, has demonstrated the commercial and environmental viability of heritage-led regeneration at scale to balance conservation obligations with modern occupational requirements and deliver new employment opportunities.
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer, Bicester Motion, said: “The practical completion of Hangar 137 in its centenary year is a significant achievement for the estate and a powerful example of what heritage regeneration can deliver. This 1926 Type A hangar was built at a defining moment in Britain’s aviation history. Our responsibility has been to protect that significance while ensuring the building can support a viable, modern commercial use.
“By taking a retrofit approach, we have conserved the integrity of the structure, reduced embodied carbon and created a beautiful space capable of supporting long-term economic activity. It demonstrates that historic estates can play a central role in sustainable development and regional growth.
“We are thrilled to hand over the building to TeamSport, whose investment will bring energy, employment, opportunity and experience ensuring Hangar 137 once again becomes a place of movement and ambition. Thank you to everyone involved in delivering this project.”
Gavin Adair, CEO, TeamSport added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have the keys to Hangar 137 and officially begin our journey at Bicester Motion. This is a hugely exciting step for us in Oxfordshire.
“We’ll now start work on transforming this incredible historic hangar into a spectacular two-level indoor e-karting and entertainment centre that the whole community can enjoy.
"As well as creating new jobs during both the construction and operational phases, we’re looking forward to welcoming families, schools, local businesses and motorsport fans through the doors very soon. Motorsport Valley is the perfect setting for us, and we can’t wait to open and become part of the Bicester community.”
The completion of Hangar 137 forms part of Bicester Motion’s wider phased restoration and development of the former RAF site which is home to more than 50 businesses operating across automotive, aviation, advanced engineering and mobility sectors.