First ‘automotive resort attraction’ to open in the UK with two-storey karting track for racing fans
PLANS to open a new electric karting resort in Bicester are officially underway.
Bicester Motion submitted plans for the project last year and it has now been approved, meaning it will be the UK’s very first ‘automotive resort’.
Bicester Motion, the classic car company at Bicester Aerodrome, have had their plans approved to create the family friendly leisure facility.
They are partnering with TeamSport, who are in charge of changing the building’s use from the hangar space to a 500-metre indoor electric karting track.
The companies are making use of derelict aircraft Hangar 137, a heritage site on Buckingham Road in Bicester.
The hope is that the new attraction will “promote leisure and tourism” but also sustain what is “special about the RAF airbase”, as was written in the application.
It will include an e-karting track that will stretch over two floors with other facilities being included on a mezzanine level. Over the track there will be a bowling zone, workshop and viewing area.
The proposal included CGI images of what the hangar would look like once complete.
In the council’s decision report, it stated: “The proposal represents the re-use of a historic building, which will be given a viable use and includes significant improvement works to the building.
“The proposal would provide economic benefits in terms of job creation and social benefits through the provision of leisure activities for the residents.”
The proposal also included a car park with 40 spaces.
Overall, the project received two objections and one supporting comment from members of the public.
Joshua Folks, who lives in Acorn Close in Bicester said: “This development would bring a much-needed sports and entertainment facility to Bicester, and provides an offering not currently available in the town, or even around Oxford or Banbury.
“The location makes perfect sense with Bicester Heritage’s existing and obvious links to motorsport already, and with electric karts being used, noise will not be an issue for us local residents. Existing outdoor track activities will create much more noise.
“The facility and its new visitors will also provide a benefit to local businesses already in Bicester Heritage, for example the gin distillery, allowing more people to see it’s there and either visit at the time or return, knowing that it is there.”
Dominic Gaynor, chief executive of TeamSport, said: “Our future talent starts on the go-kart track and for some time we have been looking to open in Motorsport Valley surrounded by the many F1 teams.
“Finding the right place and location were key and our new home at Bicester Motion is the perfect match. We will be providing an innovative and exhilarating new two-level track for everyone to enjoy and creating jobs in both the construction and operational phases.”
Currently, the automotive resort has no name or time frame for the expected completion of works and opening.
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