Bicester Motion secures £26.8m loan for YASA HQ build

Bicester Motion mobility estate in Oxfordshire has secured a £26.8 million development loan from Cain International, an alternative asset manager specialising in real estate.

The funding will be used to deliver the first phase of The Ranges, the estate’s latest development designed for headquarters buildings for innovative transport technology companies.

Phase 1 comprises the new 90,000 sq ft headquarters for Mercedes-Benz Group-owned YASA, an Oxford University spinout developing electric drive technology. 

Practical completion is targeted for summer 2025, with YASA’s fit out to follow and teams to relocate in early 2026.

The Ranges’ remaining four buildings, planned specifically for future mobility design, light manufacturing, research and development, will be part of phase 2.

John Bentley, chief financial officer at Bicester Motion, said: “This funding enables us to support YASA’s growth plans, adding their 400 strong staff team to our thriving community.

“Cain International 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 ambitious and exciting masterplan to boost future mobility discovery.”

Nikos Yerolemou-Ennsgraber, director at Cain International, added: “Bicester Motion is a unique destination where, from our very first visit, the passion for motorsport and advanced engineering was immediately clear.

“We’re proud to 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.

“We look forward to seeing YASA’s new headquarters at The Ranges come to life and continuing our partnership.”

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 International.