Feb 9 2015
The Westgate Oxford Alliance, a joint venture between Land Securities and The Crown Estate, today confirms that it will proceed with work on its £440 million Westgate Oxford development, with preparatory works to begin imminently and construction set to start in spring 2015.
The announcement follows more than four years of preparation, extensive public consultation and the approval of a reserved matters application by Oxford City Council. It also coincides with several leasing commitments from leading national and international retailers.
The new 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 highly anticipated 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, roof top terrace dining and a wealth of new public spaces.
With Oxford already topping the wish list of cities in which retailers want to secure space (PROMIS), today's announcement will be welcomed as a rare opportunity for retailers and leisure operators to reach a broad audience in a truly historic setting.
New national and international brands confirmed today include H&M, Superdry, Schuh and Goldsmiths. They join an impressive and growing number of best of British and international brands that have already demonstrated confidence in the development with confirmed leasing commitments including a 140,000 sq ft John Lewis department store, 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."
Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: "This is an important day for the city of Oxford. As a key regeneration project for the city, Westgate Oxford will not only create many new jobs, it will also support the whole region including existing businesses, by increasing footfall in the city - I am delighted to hear that construction will begin imminently."
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.
Source: http://www.landsecurities.com/