An abandoned aircraft hangar in Oxfordshire is being transformed into what developers describe as the "UK's first automotive resort". The historic building is part of Bicester Motion (a 444-acre former RAF base) and is undergoing a £4million conversion to become a new indoor leisure attraction.

The project focuses on Hangar 137, a historic structure at the Bicester Heritage site on Buckingham Road. Once completed, the building will house a large two-storey indoor electric karting venue along with several entertainment facilities. Developers say the scheme forms part of a wider vision for the site, which already hosts dozens of companies connected to the automotive and mobility industries.

Because of the range of activities planned around car culture and motorsport, the wider development has been described as the "UK's first automotive resort".

Plans for the redevelopment were approved by Cherwell District Council in January, and the new tenant has now taken possession of the site.

Indoor karting operator TeamSport has been given the keys to the 31,000 sq ft hangar, where work will begin to convert the space into a major leisure destination.

The attraction will include a 500-metre electric karting circuit spread across two levels.

Above the track, a mezzanine viewing area will feature facilities such as a bowling zone, workshop space and spectator viewing areas.

The aim of the project is to give the historic building a new purpose while preserving its heritage.

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Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer at Bicester Motion, said the renovation shows how historic sites can be adapted for modern use.

He said: "The practical completion of Hangar 137 in its centenary year is a significant achievement for the estate and a powerful example of what heritage regeneration can deliver.

"This 1926 Type A hangar was built at a defining moment in Britain's aviation history.

"Our responsibility has been to protect that significance while ensuring the building can support a viable, modern commercial use."

The hangar was originally constructed as an aircraft shed for the Royal Air Force between the First and Second World Wars.

Its redevelopment also forms part of Bicester Motion's wider strategy to bring historic buildings back into use while supporting new businesses.

Today the former RAF base hosts more than 50 companies involved in automotive, aviation, engineering and mobility sectors.

TeamSport says it is now preparing to begin work on the interior transformation of the hangar.

Gavin Adair, chief executive of TeamSport, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have the keys to Hangar 137 and officially begin our journey at Bicester Motion.

"We'll now start work on transforming this incredible historic hangar into a spectacular two-level indoor e-karting and entertainment centre that the whole community can enjoy."

The planning application for the development also included proposals for 40 new parking spaces.

According to the council's decision report, the scheme will help secure a sustainable future for the historic building.

It said: "The proposal represents the re-use of a historic building which will be given a viable use and includes significant improvement works to the building. The proposal would provide economic benefits in terms of job creation and provide social benefits through the provision of leisure activities for residents."