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Date set for work to start on Westgate Oxford development

Work on the planned £440 million Westgate Oxford development is expected to begin in spring 2015, with preparatory work to start imminently.

The Westgate Oxford Alliance, a joint venture between Land Securities and The Crown Estate, has confirmed work will start on 800,000 sq. ft. (74,300 sq. m) retail and leisure scheme in the heart of Oxford city centre is due for completion in autumn 2017.

The shopping centre development will see the existing Westgate in the west end of Oxford transformed to include over 100 new stores, 25 restaurants and cafes, a boutique cinema, rooftop terrace dining and a wealth of new public spaces.

New national and international brands confirmed today include H&M, Superdry, Schuh and Goldsmiths.

The retailers will join John Lewis, Next and Primark, alongside Michael Kors and boutique cinema chain Curzon Cinemas. The development is now 28% pre-let.

Robert Noel, chief executive for Land Securities said - “Today we’ve taken a significant step towards creating our vision for a world-class retail and leisure destination in Oxford, having worked hard with our customers and the community to shape the right scheme.

“Alongside our growing list of customers, we are committed to creating a new Westgate Oxford which not only complements the city’s beauty and heritage status but also enhances its global reputation as a great place to spend time.”

Paul Clark, director of Investment and Asset Management at The Crown Estate said: “This significant milestone underscores our commitment to this ambitious redevelopment which will totally transform the retail and leisure experience in Oxford and stand out as one of the best schemes of its kind in the UK.”

The development is expected to generate up to 1,000 construction jobs with a further 3,400 retail positions opening up once the centre is completed in 2017.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .