Bicester Motion has completed the £4 million restoration of Hangar 137 at its 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire, marking a major milestone in the redevelopment of the historic site.
The company has formally handed over the restored building to TeamSport, which will now begin fitting out the facility for a new indoor e-karting centre.
The Grade II listed hangar spans 31,000 square feet (2,880 square metres) and is located within the estate’s Technical Site with access from Skimmingdish Lane.
Originally built in 1926 as a Type A aeroplane shed, the structure was among the first permanent end-opening hangars developed for RAF stations during the interwar period in the UK and overseas. Its restoration has been completed in time for the building’s centenary year.
The project forms part of Bicester Motion’s long-term vision to transform the former RAF base into a globally recognised hub for automotive, aviation and future mobility companies.
The restoration was delivered using a retrofit-first approach, prioritising the repair and preservation of the building’s original features rather than large-scale redevelopment. This approach significantly reduced embodied carbon while maintaining the historic character of the structure.
One distinctive element retained during the project is the historic graffiti found on the internal walls, which provides insight into the building’s past and forms part of its heritage narrative.
The project aligns with Bicester Motion’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, which focuses on repurposing heritage buildings into commercially viable spaces designed for modern business use. As a result, the 100-year-old hangar has been restored and prepared for immediate occupation.
Following completion of the restoration, Hangar 137 has been leased in full to TeamSport, a leading indoor karting operator. The company will now undertake tenant fit-out works to transform the historic building into a new entertainment and motorsport facility.
Plans include a state-of-the-art two-level electric go-karting track stretching 500 metres, designed to provide an advanced indoor karting experience. The project also supports TeamSport’s broader initiatives to promote grassroots motorsport, young talent and greater participation of women in the sport.
The restoration and development works were delivered by specialist construction partner Marcon, demonstrating how heritage-led regeneration can balance conservation requirements with modern commercial needs while also creating new employment opportunities.
Daniel Geoghegan, Chief Executive Officer of 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 of TeamSport, welcomed the handover of the building and outlined plans for the new facility.
“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.”
Hangar 137 is part of Bicester Motion’s wider phased regeneration of the former RAF site, which currently hosts more than 50 businesses operating across automotive, aviation, advanced engineering and mobility sectors.
The restoration project involved several partners working on behalf of Bicester Motion, including Marcon, Ridge & Partners, IKS Consulting and Edgars.
