YASA Brings Four Hundred Jobs to Bicester

Hello Bicester,

Welcome back to another week in our vibrant town! As we kick off 2026, there’s so much happening in Bicester that brings our community together. From exciting automotive events to family-friendly activities at the library, this is a wonderful time to get out and connect with your neighbours.

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Top Stories

Classic Car Lovers Gather for Scramble Today

This morning, thousands of automotive enthusiasts descended on Bicester Motion for the January Scramble – one of the year’s most anticipated events. The 9am-2pm gathering celebrates fifty years of Tom Walkinshaw Racing history and showcases the wild Group B era of rallying with special displays inside Hangar 113. While tickets sold out weeks ago, the event showcases the incredible diversity of cars and businesses thriving at Bicester Motion’s 444-acre future mobility estate. Visitors can explore 50+ specialist businesses and enjoy family activities, making it a true celebration of Bicester’s automotive heritage.​

Mercedes-Benz Electric Motor Specialist YASA Arrives in Town This Month

This is big news for Bicester’s economy and job market. YASA, a pioneering electric motor company owned by Mercedes-Benz and spun out from Oxford University, is relocating its 400+ person workforce to Bicester Motion this January. The company’s impressive new headquarters at Bicester Motion’s “The Ranges” Innovation Quarter represents a £60 million investment in future mobility technology. This move will bring hundreds of skilled jobs, construction opportunities, and cement Bicester’s position as the heartland of automotive technology and innovation in the UK.​

New Homes Coming to Bicester as Development Approved

Planning inspectors have given the green light for 99 new homes on land near Bicester, overturning a previous council rejection. The development reflects strong demand for housing in our growing town and supports Cherwell District Council‘s target to deliver 7,977 new homes in Bicester through 2042.​

Upcoming Events

This Week & Next

• Saturday, January 17 – Young Driver experience at Bicester Heritage (10am onwards). Young people can learn to drive in a safe, controlled environment at the historic RAF base.​
• Library programs running all week – Stay & Play sessions for toddlers (Mondays, 9:30am-11:30am), Rhymetime for under-5s (Tuesdays, 9:45am-11:30am), Lego Club (Fridays, 3:30pm-4:30pm), and Saturday Morning Storytime (11am-11:30am). Board Games all day Saturday. All free at Bicester Library, Franklin’s House, Wesley Lane.​
• Monday, January 12 – Bicester Social Group meet-up at Bicester Library (11am-1pm) for community connection and catch-ups.​
• Friday, January 23 – Charity Quiz night at The Nightingale Bicester (7pm) hosted by Bicester Town Council, raising funds for FLAG DV.​

Coming in February

• Thursday, February 12 – Bicester Careers & Apprenticeship Fair at The John Paul II Centre (times TBC). A fantastic opportunity for job seekers and school leavers to meet local employers and explore apprenticeships.​
• Thursday, February 12 – Partnership Meeting on Town Centre Developments (1pm-3pm, venue TBC). Hear directly from stakeholders about exciting plans for Bicester’s future, including retail, leisure, and public space projects.​
• February 18-21 – Theatre performances at a local venue (all profits donated to Dementia UK). Family discounts available on all shows.​
• Wednesdays in February – Bicester Pop-Up Larder at West Bicester Community Centre (Shakespeare Drive), distributing surplus food and supplies. All welcome.​

Community Buzz

Our community is buzzing with purpose and generosity. The Bicester Good Neighbour Scheme continues matching volunteers with isolated older residents who need regular visitors and practical support. Cherwell Collective is seeking volunteers for community gardens, food distribution, and more – perfect opportunities to give back and build friendships. Beautiful Bicester and Bicester Vision continue championing local businesses and supporting town regeneration, bringing residents and entrepreneurs together.​

Council Corner

Cherwell District Council is actively working on improving Bicester for everyone. The Market Square transformation project is moving forward with consultants developing a preferred design based on community feedback. The council is also investing in cycling and walking connections across town, with trials already underway on Sheep Street. These improvements are part of a larger vision to make Bicester a healthier, more connected place to live.​

Closing Note

January is the perfect month to explore what’s happening in our community. Whether you’re interested in automotive heritage, supporting neighbours, or simply enjoying family time at the library, there’s something for everyone in Bicester. Come out and be part of what makes our town special.