The UK's "first automotive resort" is planned for an Oxfordshire town which the developer says will offer family and friends a "unique range of experiences and adventures".
Applicant Bicester Motion has submitted a proposal to Cherwell District Council to introduce a new e-karting facility at the Bicester Heritage site on Buckingham Road, as part of its overarching vision.
The karting track is proposed to extend over two levels with the site also boasting other facilities in its 'mezzanine' viewing area such as a bowling zone, workshop and spectator viewing areas.
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The applicant says the project aim is to secure a viable use for Hangar 137 and that TeamSport has been acquired as the new tenant to change the building use from the hangar space to leisure facility for indoor electric e-karting.
A planning paper adds: "TeamSport are an indoor go karting company operating 35 racing circuits across the United Kingdom.
"The change of use will compliment the adjacent Experience Quarter and Bicester Motion’s vision to create a resort destination where automotive enthusiasts, friends and families can benefit from a unique range of experiences and adventures.
"The proposal will provide a viable use for Hangar 137 and secure investment in critical repairs that will conserve the building for future generations. The e-karting offering is a good fit for the site and the interventions within the building are proposed to be reversible in the future.
"Since Bicester Heritage purchased the site in 2013, much has been achieved in repairing and re-using many of the redundant buildings on the Technical Site, with a range of high- performance motor engineering and innovation businesses proving a good fit for the site.
"The heritage led business model of Bicester Motion seeks to promote leisure, tourism and business initiatives in a way that sustains what is special about the RAF Bicester airbase.
"This in turn creates something new, innovative, and inspiring, as the next chapter in the site’s history, and is supported by local planning policies."
A total of 40 new parking spaces are proposed as part of the application which is less than the maximum parking provision of 116 accorded under Oxfordshire County Council Parking Standards as "this level of parking would be considered excessive in light of anticipated travel demand".
The applicant also says in relation to cycling that a total of 70 spaces would be needed under Oxfordshire County Council Parking Standards but that it considers this "unwarranted".
Instead, it proposes a four cycle parking spaces "due to this being considered appropriate for the predicted levels of cycle trip generation associate with the development".
Materials for the development include a racing track with protective boarders which consists of recycled tyres as well as a hospitality 'box' which is black plaster boarded.
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About the author
Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county.
She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.
Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi
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