The Bicester Heritage hotel will be situated on a former RAF base in the heart of “motorsport valley”, close to a number of Formula One teams and the Silverstone Circuit. The scheme features a 252-room hotel, 92-unit aparthotel, restaurant, leisure facilities and conference centre. Our design received planning permission in 2018.
The hotel is the next stage in Bicester Heritage’s vision to become the world’s leading automotive resort. Further plans include the building of motor lodges: luxury leisure residencies allowing individuals to stay within the 425-acre resort with their car adjacent to the private recreational driver’s circuit.
Our design is inspired by RAF Bicester’s rich heritage, offering a modern interpretation of the form of the adjoining listed aircraft hangars. A signature entrance atrium showcases a display of motor vehicles. The metal-clad curved façade references the sinuous line of a classic car. An expanded steel mesh covering the curve of the building plays homage to RAF Bicester’s past as a camouflage training centre.
Alongside amenities such as a top-tier restaurant, bar, courtyard, gym, swimming pool and sauna, the hotel will offer an immersive experience for automobile enthusiasts. Hotel rooms have views out to the airfield and race track and the cars and planes displayed in the central atrium. The atrium will feature a rotating showcase of automotive themed exhibitions, featuring not only classic cars, but also the very best cars of the present and the future.
“We were thrilled to be selected to design this landmark hotel within the former RAF base, forming part of the Bicester Heritage Masterplan vision focusing on motorcars and aeroplanes. The design objective has been to respond in a contemporary manner to the site’s unique past, drawing inspiration from its historic position at the forefront of aviation, engineering, and innovation while complementing the existing period buildings. The elevations take inspiration from the listed aircraft hangers within Bicester Heritage, whilst the metal-clad curved façade references the sinuous line of a classic car.
Providing 344 hotel and aparthotel rooms, and with extensive facilities including food and beverage, leisure and conferencing, this new hotel will contribute to the greater Bicester and Oxford area hospitality offer while enhancing the activities of Bicester Heritage and its future plans for accommodation, theatre, automotive research and maintenance.”
