Oxford has long been a desirable location for businesses, thanks to its prestigious university, historic charm, and economic strength. However, many businesses looking for commercial property are now turning to Bicester instead. This shift is driven by various factors, including affordability, connectivity, and development opportunities. This article explores why Bicester is emerging as a strong alternative to Oxford for commercial property.

Oxford’s commercial property prices have consistently remained high, largely due to its strong academic and research economy. The demand for office and retail space, combined with limited availability, results in elevated costs.

In contrast, Bicester offers significantly lower prices per square foot, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to expand without breaking the bank. This affordability extends to rent, property acquisition, and operational costs, allowing companies to invest more in growth rather than overheads.

Moreover, Bicester is only eleven miles from Oxford, meaning businesses can still maintain close ties with the city while benefiting from lower property costs. The town’s excellent transport links, including fast train connections and proximity to the M40, make commuting between the two locations seamless. Businesses searching for 'Property for Sale' in Oxfordshire are increasingly considering Bicester as a cost-effective and strategic choice.

Bicester boasts excellent transport links that make it a practical choice for businesses. The town is well connected by road, with the M40 motorway providing direct access to London, Birmingham, and other key UK cities. Additionally, Bicester Village and Bicester North railway stations offer fast train connections to Oxford, London, and beyond.

Oxford, while well connected, suffers from congestion and limited parking, which can deter businesses requiring easy access for employees and clients. Bicester’s modern infrastructure makes it an appealing alternative for businesses prioritising accessibility.

Nearby towns such as Abingdon and Banbury also offer additional commercial opportunities for businesses considering relocation within Oxfordshire.

Oxford’s growth is somewhat restricted by planning regulations and land constraints. In contrast, Bicester has been designated as a key growth area, with extensive commercial and residential developments underway.

The town is part of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, a strategic economic corridor with ambitious expansion plans. With developments such as the Bicester Business Park and the ongoing expansion of Bicester Village, there are ample opportunities for businesses to secure prime commercial space with future growth potential.

Many businesses are opting for Bicester due to the substantial cost savings on rent and property purchases. By choosing Bicester, companies can benefit from lower overheads while still being within easy reach of Oxford, allowing them to access the city’s talent pool, research institutions, and economic network without the high price tag.

Additionally, Bicester’s commercial sector is expanding rapidly. New business parks, retail spaces, and office developments provide ample opportunities for businesses to establish a presence in a growing economic hub. This expansion makes Bicester an increasingly attractive alternative to Oxford for companies looking for cost-effective, high-potential commercial property.

The Oxford Business Park remains a prime location for many companies, but Bicester’s lower costs and better availability are drawing increasing interest.

Bicester offers better options for industrial space than Oxford due to its strategic location, lower costs, and greater availability of suitable sites. Positioned along the M40 corridor, Bicester provides excellent transport links to London, Birmingham, and major logistics hubs, making it an attractive choice for businesses needing efficient distribution networks.

Unlike Oxford, where land is scarce and property prices are high due to academic and residential demand, Bicester has designated industrial parks and expansion areas, such as Bicester Business Park with the established Telford and Murdock Road estates, Skimmingdish Lane with the larger Link 9 industrial units and Symmetry Park, designed specifically for warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics.

Additionally, the planning environment in Bicester is more accommodating to industrial development, with local authorities actively supporting commercial growth, with Cabot 40 just completed and offering 5 brand new warehouse units and Bicester Arc, . This combination of affordability, accessibility, and business-friendly policies makes Bicester a more practical choice for industrial space compared to Oxford.

For businesses and investors seeking commercial property in Oxfordshire, Bicester offers a compelling alternative to Oxford, especially for companies in the Hi-Tech and laboratory sectors. While Oxford is a well-established hub, Bicester provides significant advantages, including more competitive rental rates, lower upfront costs, and a growing reputation as a center for innovation.

With strong demand for specialized spaces such as laboratory facilities and Hi-Tech business units, Bicester is quickly emerging as the smart choice for companies looking to establish or expand their operations.

Two prime examples of commercial property opportunities in Bicester include:

• Bicester Arc, Lakeview Drive (OX26 1DE) – Bicester Arc is a 48-acre development strategically located off the A41 in Bicester, designed to provide businesses with unparalleled flexibility and sustainability. This joint venture between Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates offers occupiers a 'blank canvas' to create bespoke buildings tailored to their specific needs—an opportunity not readily available elsewhere in the UK.

The site's prime location and customizable infrastructure make it an attractive option for businesses seeking modern, sustainable commercial spaces in Oxfordshire,designed to meet the needs of Hi-Tech firms and laboratory operations, all within a thriving business park that fosters innovation. More details can be found here.

• 30 Murdock Road, Bicester (OX26 4PP) – A strategically located industrial unit ideal for logistics, warehousing, or laboratory-focused operations, with excellent transport connectivity and ease of access to major routes. More details can be found here.
With its lower costs, expanding infrastructure, and increasing demand for specialized commercial properties, Bicester offers a more cost-effective and flexible option for businesses seeking to be near Oxford’s innovation scene without the high costs and competition of the city itself.

Bicester benefits from proactive local government initiatives aimed at attracting businesses. Cherwell District Council has invested in economic development strategies, offering incentives for companies to relocate.

Furthermore, Bicester has a growing business community, particularly in sectors such as logistics, retail property, and technology. The town’s business-friendly policies and support networks make it an attractive destination for startups and established enterprises alike.

While Oxford remains a prestigious location for businesses, the rising costs, congestion, and limited space are pushing many to consider alternatives. Bicester’s affordability, excellent infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and growth potential make it an increasingly attractive option. For businesses seeking commercial space in the Oxfordshire region, Bicester is fast becoming the preferred choice.

If you are considering commercial property investments, exploring opportunities in Bicester could be a strategic move for long-term success.