SHOPS on a Witney estate that have been empty for nearly a decade are being brought back to life after local mums put forward plans for a “lifestyle hub” for parents and babies.

Kingfisher Court in Madley Park has been unoccupied for eight years, with residents living in the flats above the unused retail units.

Now two new mums have announced plans to take over two of the units to open a large, new centre for parents and their young children. Johannah Aynsley and Sophy Mutch hope to open the hub by February.

Miss Aynsley, 36, who gave birth to daughter Willow six months ago, said: “Sophy and I had our babies at the same time and our business idea was brought about from similar experiences.

“Witney has so many mums walking round with pushchairs but there is nowhere for them to go.

“There is a massive gap in the market for something which is all under one roof; which can have multiple pushchairs, highchairs, a cafe and classes.

“Everywhere else we looked in Witney was all old traditional buildings, which were not accessible. Then we looked at Madley Park and realised it was fate.”

Miss Aynsley and Miss Mutch, who has a six-month-old son named Jasper, plan to open a 56-cover cafe in the centre as well as organise baby yoga classes, baby theatre classes and even special nights just for parents.

Miss Aynsley added: “The cafe will only offer really good food.

“There will be freshly made cakes and homemade salads, and baby tapas too, and parents can take home baby food as well.”

Also moving in to Kingfisher Court is estate agents Gatekeeper.