Plans unveiled for new Westgate shopping centre in Oxford
The Westgate Alliance, a joint venture between Land Securities and The Crown Estate, has unveiled its vision for the new Westgate shopping centre in Oxford.
Early artistic impressions of the retail landscape for the 800,000 sq ft city centre project were shown at Mapic this week. Following a period of public consultation, the Westgate Alliance submitted its outline planning application for the shopping centre this September.
Bert Martin, development director at Land Securities, explained: “The new Westgate aims to enhance what is already a very strong offer in Oxford. By creating a stunning new retail destination, respecting the character of this great city, our ambition is to further add to some of the most attractive environments in the UK. The new scheme is a unique opportunity for national and international retailers to gain rare, quality exposure in such a unique context.”
Anchored by a John Lewis department store, the shopping centre will be home to more than 100 new retail outlets and restaurants when completed. The development will also house a premium boutique cinema, a rooftop dining venue with views over Oxford, and the city’s largest car park with up to 1,000 spaces.
James Cooksey, head of regional and St James’s Portfolios at the Crown Estate, said: “Through consultation with the local community we have developed proposals that incorporate best in class retail spaces alongside transport and public realm enhancements which will create a fantastic environment. We are delighted to already have agreed a deal with John Lewis, which will see them anchor the scheme. This is a great endorsement of the quality of the proposals we have put forward and we look forward to engaging with a diverse range of prospective retailers over the next few months.”
