Hangar 137, the historic Type A hangar at Bicester Motion, has reached practical completion and the keys have been formally handed over to TeamSport. The e-karting specialist will take over to begin its fit-out for a dedicated 500 metre track across two floors.
The completion is a fitting start to the hangar’s centenary year, having been constructed as part of the initial formation of RAF Bicester’s Technical Site in 1926.
At the time it was one of the first open-end hangars of its type in Britain, built to shelter 12 small bombers and resulting in 31,000 sq ft of space. Its £4m rejuvenation a century on prioritised the retention and repair of its historic fabric, significantly reducing embodied carbon compared with redevelopment.
The historic graffiti adorning the internal walls, for example, is one such feature that has been retained because it tells part of the hangar’s story. Other features including the loud hailer and metal tanks remain in situ, further adding to the continued heritage. The project forms part of Bicester Motion’s ESG strategy, which champions the repurposing of heritage assets into commercially viable, future-facing space.
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 delighted 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.”