When it comes to preserving automotive history, few sites measure up to Bicester Heritage. Every year, car enthusiasts flock to see a diverse range of classic motors. It was recently announced that a 344-room hotel is going to be built on the site, adding to the prestige of an already illustrious venue.
The hotel is the brainchild of British car enthusiast Dexter Moren, who is excited to design the building. “Hospitality specialist architecture and interior designer Dexter Moren Associates is thrilled to have been selected to design a landmark hotel within a former RAF base, forming part of the Bicester Heritage master plan vision focusing on motorcars and aeroplanes.”
“The design objective has been to respond in a contemporary manner to the site’s rich and unique history, drawing inspiration from its historic position at the forefront of aviation, engineering and innovation while complementing the existing period buildings.”
The materials for the hotel are inspired by RAF’s Bicester pre-war buildings and the 1936 C-type hangars. There will be several interesting details, such as an expanded steel mesh on the building’s curve. This will be a tribute to the military past of the RAF Bicester, which was used as a camouflage training centre.
There will be a four-storey atrium dedicated to classic cars and exhibitions. The atrium will display heritage vehicles and modern examples. Other amenities include a five-star restaurant, bar, courtyard, gym, swimming pool and sauna.
The hotel will also feature a raised-earth bank with a Mille Miglia type start line. The building will be located in the centre of ‘Motorsport Valley,’ allowing guests to enjoy car events beyond the boundary of the Bicester Heritage.
Managing director of Bicester Heritage, Dan Geoghegan, is enthusiastic about the hotel. “We very much look forward to welcoming enthusiasts to our motoring hotel, from which they will be able to experience a range of automotive destinations on a single site, from the existing centre of excellence for historic motorcars to the private track, exhibition hangars, OEM brand centre and future technology.”
