Plans to overhaul a business park where two firefighters and a father-of-two lost their lives in a devastating blaze have been submitted to council planners.
The £600m investment scheme is expected to contribute more than £1bn a year to the UK economy.
Bicester Motion has lodged three initial outline planning applications with Cherwell District Council as part of the 10-year transformation of the Oxfordshire business park.
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The investment plan includes up to one million sq ft of new workspace, around 200 apartments, an expanded hotel and a “motorsport-inspired” driving track, as reported by Need To Know.
A fourth application for research, development and “scale-up” workspace is being finalised.
The proposals come just 15 months after firefighters Martyn Sadler, 38, and Jennie Logan, 30, were killed tackling a fire at the estate.
Father-of-two Dave Chester also died in the devastating inferno, while two other firefighters suffered serious injuries.
Hangar 79 – where the fire occurred – was so badly damaged in the blaze that its remaining structure has since been demolished.
The submitted applications cover new commercial, demonstration, hospitality and customer engagement facilities, as well as flexible employment space and low-rise housing.
Bicester Motion said the wider proposals could support thousands of construction and operational jobs.
The former RAF base is already home to more than 50 automotive, motorsport and aviation businesses.
Its proposed new neighbourhoods include The Ranges, featuring headquarters for advanced manufacturing and engineering companies.
The Rushes would allow mobility and technology brands to showcase their products beside a vehicle demonstration circuit.
Visitors could watch track activities over coffee or lunch before trying new mobility technology themselves.
Motion Living would provide around 200 low-density one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Plans for an existing hotel scheme are also being expanded to include branded residential accommodation, lodges, a clubhouse and additional amenities.
The estate currently attracts around 150,000 visitors a year and trains more than 200 apprentices annually, according to Bicester Motion.
During public consultation, traffic was among the most frequently raised concerns.
Residents sought assurances that congestion and event traffic would be managed and public transport improved.
Bicester Motion said a detailed transport assessment would accompany the planning applications.
Improved bus, walking and cycling connections are proposed, while shuttle links to Bicester North and Bicester Village railway stations are also being explored.
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive of Bicester Motion, said: “The submission of these first phase outline planning applications marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of Bicester Motion.
“The feedback we received through the consultation helped shape these proposals and will continue to inform future phases.
“Over the past decade we have carefully restored Bicester’s remarkable former RAF base while creating a thriving community of innovators, engineers and pioneering businesses.”
The proposals follow the fatal fire which rapidly engulfed former aircraft hangar Hangar 79 at around 6.30pm on 15 May 2025.
Ten fire and rescue crews were sent to the scene as huge plumes of black smoke rose above the historic estate.
Martyn and Jennie died while tackling the blaze, while Dave was described by his family as having died “helping others and putting them ahead of himself”.
The hangar was subsequently demolished following discussions with Historic England, Cherwell District Council and safety experts.
Thames Valley Police opened an unexplained death investigation alongside fire investigators and the Health and Safety Executive.
Last month, the force announced that its investigation had concluded and no referrals would be made to the Crown Prosecution Service.
The HSE is now leading the investigation into the circumstances of the fire.
Police are preparing a file for the coroner and will support the forthcoming inquest.
