A COUNCILLOR has warned 'don't hold your breath' for a promised £60m upgrade of Templars Square to begin anytime soon.

The developer, however, insisted it was 'working hard behind the scenes' to 'align the many component parts' involved in starting construction at the shopping centre.

There has been mounting frustration during the past 12 months over a lack of visible progress on the Between Towns Road scheme, which was given planning permission in July 2017.

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More than 200 homes, shops, two restaurants and a hotel are set to be built as part of New River’s proposals to revamp the shopping centre and surrounding area.

About 60 jobs will also be created and the 470-space Castle Street Car Park demolished.

Oxford Mail:

However county councillor John Sanders said: "I was disappointed with the developer's meagre plans to introduce changes to the transport infrastructure in the area, so it seems to me that most of the changes will be invisible to the local residents except for a block of flats where there now is a multi-storey car park and a hotel where there now is a disused pub. But don't hold your breath!"

Cowley city councillor David Henwood said there were 'mixed opinions' concerning the proposed development from residents with many 'eager to see some physical progress' made at the centre.

Oxford Mail:

He was more optimistic work would start soon though, adding that New River was working closely on the detailed plans with planners and they were expected to be formalised in spring 2020.

This has not been confirmed by the developer.

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Mr Henwood said: "The level of detail, is important in order for works to be properly costed and delivered, and deliver a concerted outcome.

"We are all eager to see genuine investment in Cowley, which will also deliver a mix of social and private housing and family-orientated amenities including a restaurant."

Oxford Mail:

Mr Henwood added he had asked New River to communicate news via a noticeboard in the shopping centre to update residents and 'allay concerns'.

The councillor continued: "The times are a changing, Cowley has lost much in recent years in terms of amenity, including a much loved community centre and swimming pool.

"It is only right Cowley should see some much needed-investment."

Read again: Frustration grows over Templars Square £60m rebuild delay

New River bought Templars Square shopping centre in 2012 and soon revealed redevelopment plans.

It came after the developer spearheaded a controversial £4m revamp of Abingdon's Bury Street shopping precinct in 2011, which left several large units empty for years afterwards.

Documents put in with the original application show the company is expected to make a £9m profit from the regeneration of Templars Square.

Oxford Mail:

Jamie Whitfield, director at New River said: “We’re working hard behind the scenes to finalise the different elements of this complex £60m redevelopment, to align the many component parts in order to move forward to the construction phase.

“We remain committed to delivering this scheme for Cowley, and will soon be able to share further updates regarding timings and the next stages of work in this exciting step change for the town centre.”