Detailed designs for three new interconnected buildings, which will be YASA’s new UK HQ based at Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, have been approved by Cherwell District Council.
YASA, a spin-out from the University of Oxford and wholly owned by Mercedes-Benz Group, is pioneering new electric drive technology. It has agreed on a 15-year lease to pre-let its new HQ, which will total 88,000 sq ft (8,220 sq m).
A reserved matters application with bespoke detailed designs, layout and landscaping to enable YASA to continue its innovative R&D and growth strategy was submitted to Cherwell District Council, the planning authority, and Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority.
With the approval received, construction can start on the site in July 2024, and practical completion is targeted for spring 2025.
YASA 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 in January 2026.
The new HQ will be the first phase of Bicester Motion’s new Innovation Quarter, which is a £60 million investment to boost pioneering future mobility discovery and will deliver seven prestigious HQ buildings with views across the airfield and will total 215,000 sq ft (19,698 sq m).
The carbon-efficient buildings will target BREEAM Excellent certification and EPC A rating and be prepared for solar PV technology creation. They will include dedicated ecology and biodiversity areas, green space staff health and wellbeing amenities, and bicycle parking spaces.
Paul Fitzpatrick, head of marketing and communications at YASA, said: “We are delighted that our new UK HQ has the official green light. This is significant news for our staff, customers and wider supply chain.
“We have worked closely with the Bicester Motion team to ensure that our new facility matches our ambitions as part of Mercedes-Benz, right here in Oxfordshire, the heartland of automotive technology.”
Daniel Geoghegan, Chief Executive of Bicester Motion, said: “We welcome this news and I thank our team which has worked tirelessly and efficiently to deliver YASA’s detailed designs for their new landmark HQ.
“YASA has impressive plans to continue accelerating its business in Oxfordshire, the unrivalled home of world-leading automotive technology and mobility brands. We look forward to progressing with construction to deliver for YASA.
“We continue positive discussions with a range of future mobility and advanced technology companies for our remaining new buildings.”
Bicester Motion has also committed to significant infrastructure improvements, including cycle routes and connectivity to Bicester North station and the surrounding area. It is anticipated that more than 500 construction jobs will be created by the Innovation Quarter, which, in turn, will enhance GVA to the local economy.
Adalta Real represented Bicester Motion. Adalta Real and Bidwells are the commercial leasing agents.
