The milestone comes as the hangar marks its centenary year. Hangar 137 was originally built in 1926 as one of the first open-end hangars of its type in Britain, designed to shelter 12 small bombers.
The building, covering 31,000 square feet, was constructed as part of the formation of RAF Bicester’s Technical Site.
A £4 million rejuvenation has prioritised retaining and repairing the hangar’s historic fabric.
The approach has significantly reduced embodied carbon compared with redevelopment and retained important features, such as graffiti on the internal walls, the loud hailer, and metal tanks.
The restoration is part of Bicester Motion’s ESG strategy, focusing on repurposing heritage assets into commercially viable and future-facing spaces.
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.”
The keys to Hangar 137 have now been handed to TeamSport, who will begin fitting out a dedicated 500-metre e-karting track across two floors.
Gavin Adair, chief executive of 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.”
#Oxfordshire #RAF #hangar #transformed #karting #centre