We have advised Bicester Motion on the financing of The Ranges, its new innovation buildings within its 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire. This significant development sees YASA set to occupy 90,000 sq ft as their new UK HQ.
Bicester Motion has secured a £26.8 million development loan from Cain International, an alternative asset manager specialising in real estate investment solutions.
Bicester Motion is a centre of excellence for mobility technology and is located in the heart of Motorsport Valley.
Since acquiring the 444-acre former RAF Bicester Aerodrome in 2013, Bicester Motion has invested more than £40 million to create a vibrant and inspirational hub rich in heritage and natural beauty.
The estate, with cutting-edge design, now hosts over 50 pioneering businesses involved in various facets of past, present, and future mobility technologies. Construction has already started on the next development phase, named The Ranges, consisting of five new buildings of which YASA’s new UK HQ is the first.
YASA, a spin-out from the University of Oxford and now fully owned by the Mercedes-Benz Group, is at the forefront of electric drive technology innovation. Their new UK HQ at Bicester Motion is set to be completed by summer 2025 with YASA’s fit out to follow.
The construction project aims to offer substantial community benefits including eight apprenticeships, work experience placements, volunteering opportunities, career events, school engagements and site tours.
Our team advising Bicester Motion was led by corporate partner Ian Moore, real estate partner Emma Oakley and banking and finance partner Gabriel Estevez with support from Rhys Bufton, David Quinlan, Charlie Marshall and Emma Coates in the real estate and construction team.