Core CPD Framework:
- Placemaking & Design
-Climate Change and Environmental Planning
- 1.30 CPD Hours
On Tuesday 6 May at 6.30pm the Department of Real Estate & Planning at the University of Reading and RTPI South East will host our annual Planning & Development ‘Futures’ Lecture. This year we will be joined by the team responsible for Bicester Motion, to tell us about the past present and future of this unique development. The lecture will be followed by time for questions and a networking reception with refreshments and will finish around 9.30pm.
Bicester Motion will provide an overview of their role as custodians of the former RAF Bicester Aerodrome and its regeneration, providing a viable future to a historic site poised to celebrate its centenary in 2026. The remarkable location is now a world-renowned business community, positively shaping the future of mobility technology and home to over 50 pioneering businesses. Globally, there’s no other location like it.
Bicester Motion's story began in 2013 with the purchase of the former WW2 RAF Bicester Bomber Training Station, a 444-acre site of national historic importance. Neglected for the best part of 40 years, it was added to Historic England's 'At Risk Register' in 2008 and designated the most 'at risk' of all Defence Estates in the UK.
Under Bicester Motion's custodianship, 99% of the buildings have been delicately restored or re-activated for modern business use, with the site now held as a national exemplar of constructive conservation by Historic England. The time-warp base is unmatched in its evocative character, with even the paint colours being correct to 1930s British Standards.
With over 50 specialist businesses based in fifty refurbished 1920s and 30s buildings. Reaching full capacity in 2020, Bicester Motion undertook a landmark extension to the historic site, sympathetically constructing the first new buildings at their location in eighty years.
Bicester Motion has since developed a strategic masterplan, secured significant planning consents for over 1m+ sq ft mixed use new build opportunity. The team are now progressing through the development phase, most recently constructing a 90,000 sq ft cutting edge HQ building for YASA, a Mercedes Benz Group subsidiary, as well as re-purposing a Grade II listed hangar to create a multi-level e-karting venue. This, however is just the start of what Bicester Motion has planned, with many more exciting developments to come.
Speakers
- Dan Geoghegan, Chief executive Officer or Sarah-Jane Curtis, Chief Operating Officer, Bicester Motion
- Jonty Ashworth, Development Director, Bicester Motion
- Jon Westerman, Director, Edgars
Programme:
- 6.30pm: Registration and refreshments
- 7pm: Annual lecture followed by Q&A
- 8.40pm: Networking reception and refreshments
- 9.30pm: Event closes
Accessibility
- The venue is 45 walk away from Reading Stations
- There is a bus stop close to the venue and is 30 minutes from Reading station
- The venue is accessible by taxi and is 12 minutes taxi ride
The RTPI is committed to delivering inclusive events; to make sure that everyone can have the best possible experience. To help work towards being able to do this an event organiser will contact all booked participants to discuss any access needs or requirements that they might have. Contact Susan Millington, to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
