Our Towns: Bicester

Bicester is a Garden Town with big ambitions. Located on the Oxford–Cambridge Arc and just 15 minutes by train from Oxford, it’s one of the fastest-growing towns in the UK. With smart, sustainable developments, Bicester is leading the way in low-carbon living, connected infrastructure, and modern business investment. 

Bicester is shaping the future of urban development. Its Garden Town status brings long-term infrastructure investment, supported by a growing population, major retail destinations, and award-winning housing schemes. 

Green growth is a priority. Bicester is home to one of the UK’s first eco-towns and continues to lead with zero-carbon commercial and residential developments, smart mobility solutions, and walkable, people-first places. 

Bicester is delivering large-scale housing and community infrastructure at pace, including: 

• Elmsbrook – Award-winning zero-carbon homes with solar panels, heat recovery, and integrated cycling and walking routes. 

• Kingsmere – New neighbourhood with schools, sports facilities, retail, and healthcare. 

• Graven Hill – The UK’s largest self- and custom-build development, offering design freedom and a strong sense of place.  

• Bicester Motion – A unique innovation campus for mobility and automotive technology, blending business, leisure, and heritage. 

• North West Bicester Business Centre – Supporting local enterprise and low-carbon industry. 

• Bicester Village – A world-renowned retail destination, drawing millions of visitors annually and anchoring the town’s economy.

Elmsbrook Eco-Town 

Developed as a national exemplar for low-carbon living, Elmsbrook has delivered 393 true zero-carbon homes alongside a community hall, primary school, and integrated smart energy systems. The project has influenced national housing policy and set a benchmark for sustainable growth. 

Bicester Motion 

Bicester Motion is redefining what an innovation campus can be. With major investment secured and phased development underway, it is blending R&D, education, mobility tech and experiential leisure. The site’s unique historic airfield heritage is being preserved and reimagined for the 21st century. 

 

 

 

Bicester is a pioneering town — growing fast, planning smart, and prioritising people and planet. Our vision is a place where communities thrive in modern homes, green spaces connect neighbourhoods, and local business drives a clean, creative economy. 

Join us in shaping what comes next. Whether you live, work, build or invest in Bicester — we want to hear from you. 

Contact us: bicester@cherwell-dc.gov.uk