THESE new images will give shoppers a better impression of what the Westgate shopping centre will look like following a £440 million redevelopment.
The city council gave planning permission for the scheme in November and demolition work started last month, including of the multi- storey car park.
During the next two years, more than 100 new shops will be added, a five-screen cinema and 25 cafes and restaurants.
The anchor store will be John Lewis, which will be joined by Next, Primark and Curzon Cinemas, in the scheme put forward by Westgate Oxford Alliance, which consists of Land Securities and The Crown Estate.
Tonight councillors on the West area planning committee will be shown new artists’ impressions as they consider updated designs for the centre’s buildings.
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The designs including landscaping around Abbey Place and Greyfriars Place, and amended plans for buildings in Old Greyfriars Street, Greyfriars Place and Pennyfarthing Place.
Officers have recommended councillors approve the updates and work is due to be completed in autumn 2017.
Looking north west from Greyfriars Lane.
Labour city councillor Colin Cook, a member of the West area planning committee, said: “These details are often dealt with by officers, but we wanted to make sure in our own minds that what is being proposed is what we wanted. People are looking forward to the new centre opening. For far too long Oxford has been punching way below its weight in terms of its retail offer and has been losing out to competitors.”
Sara Fuge, development manager for Westgate Oxford Alliance, said: “Councillors will consider these new images, which convey the feel of public spaces, landscaping, the quality of architecture and building elevations.
“New shops are due to open in autumn 2017. Building work is moving forward as quickly as possible.”
Westgate car park's current state. Picture: Mark Hemsworth
As part of the redevelopment the existing mall off Bonn Square will be refurbished and there will be a new underground car park.
City council leader Bob Price said the latest images showing what the Westgate Centre will look like were “very impressive”.
He added: “What impresses me is that architects have put in so much time and effort.”
The committee takes place at the town hall in St Aldate’s at 6.30pm.
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