Latest Duo Of Occupiers Rev Up Catalyst Bicester

Albion Land is powering up its Catalyst Bicester technology park with Tesla and an innovative and technology driven design and manufacturing company taking a combined 53,600 sq ft of space.

Both companies will move into new-build units within Phase 2 of the scheme. Tesla will occupy 24,000 sq ft for its first presence in Oxfordshire, and the design and manufacturing company (which cannot yet be named) will occupy 29,600 sq ft to support its operations. The new buildings have now been completed and handed over.

The new occupiers join aerospace company Evolito and the pioneering EV motor company Yasa (owned by Mercedes Benz) as momentum builds around Catalyst Bicester’s distinct technology cluster.

Catalyst Bicester is being developed off the A41 at the southern gateway to the fast-growing town. As well as technology occupiers, the site includes a David Lloyd Leisure facility and Holiday Inn hotel.

Six buildings have now been completed and are either occupied or handed over. Two further buildings are currently under construction and will be ready in summer 2024.

The same unidentified design and manufacturing company has committed to take Building 7 (29,600 sq ft) with the company planning to make Catalyst Bicester its principal technology facility.

Building 8 (38,710 sq ft) is being built speculatively in response to the high level of occupational demand from the technology sector.

Ultimately, Catalyst Bicester will total over 400,000 sq ft of hybrid buildings designed for the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors and set within a landscaped masterplan.

Simon Parsons, Director of Albion Land said: “Momentum is building at Catalyst Bicester with the park’s excellent blend of occupiers, location, power, amenity and facilities. It’s a sign of the strength of the park and the location that both Tesla and a further tech-driven design and manufacturing company have chosen Catalyst Bicester and we look forward to attracting more occupiers in the next phase of development. We expect our speculative Building 8 to let readily and look forward to bringing forward further phases of development in 2024 to meet sustained occupier demand.”

For its next phase, Catalyst Bicester already has a full and implementable planning permission in place together with substantial secured power connections. The site can accommodate occupier requirements of up to 120,000 sq ft and offer certainty on handover dates.

The lettings agents acting for Albion Land are CBRE and Colliers International.

Tesla was represented by Knight Frank and the unnamed design and manufacturing company by Savills.

Bicester is growing rapidly and well-positioned for further growth with its strategic road and rail connections including to the M40 (J9) and A41, as well as the Oxford-London and London-Birmingham Chiltern rail services. Bicester’s connection into the future full Oxford-Cambridge East West Rail line is also contributing to strong interest in the town.