Bicester Motion gets funding to deliver YASA’s HQ

Alternative asset manager Cain International has backed the delivery of Mercedes-Benz Group-owned YASA’s headquarters at Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire. The £26.8m of development funding will be used to deliver the first phase of The Ranges, the estate’s latest development of five headquarters buildings for innovative transport technology companies. The first phase of the scheme will become the new home for YASA, which is a spin-out from the University of Oxford that is pioneering new electric drive technology. The bespoke development will total 90,000 sq ft, located on the site of the rifle ranges at the former RAF station, with direct access to the airfield, test track and green spaces. Practical completion is targeted for summer next year, with YASA’s fit-out to follow and teams to relocate in early 2026. The second phase of the masterplan will see the delivery of The Ranges’ remaining four buildings, designed specifically for future mobility design, light manufacturing and research and development. John Bentley, chief financial officer at Bicester Motion, said: “This funding enables us to support YASA’s growth plans, adding the company’s 400-staff team to our community. Cain has been supportive and flexible in providing us with the development funding required and has the capacity to increase its commitment as we continue to deliver our masterplan to boost future mobility discovery.” Nikos Yerolemou-Ennsgraber, director at Cain International, said: “Bicester Motion is a destination where, from our very first visit, the passion for motorsport and advanced engineering was immediately clear. We have established a new finance partnership with the Bicester Motion team as part of our ongoing strategy to support borrowers with long-term financing solutions.” Taylor Wessing and Knights acted on behalf of Bicester Motion. Adalta Real and Bidwells are the commercial leasing agents. Simmons & Simmons acted on behalf of Cain. Photo from Bicester Motion/Spacecraft PR