CONSTRUCTION work is continuing at a multi-million pound shopping centre redevelopment in Botley, despite the coronavirus.
The Botley Development Company, a joint venture between Mace Developments and Doric Properties, has been working on a new shopping centre development which is due for completion later this year.
As well as new shops there will be a new Premier Inn hotel, postgraduate accommodation, new apartments and offices.
READ AGAIN: Developers want to add 30 extra flats at West Way
Good progress has been made with the Premier Inn building, and it can now been seen clearly from the A34 close to the Botley Interchange.
No one from the developers was available for comment but construction workers are still on site and it is understood North Hinksey Parish Council has not been contacted to say the project will be delayed.
David Williams, a member of staff at Botley Barbers in Elms Parade, said: “As far as I know the building work is still going on - some of the construction workers came in here this morning for hair cuts.
“Trade is steady - perhaps it has dipped a bit - but of course we want our customers to keep supporting us.”
Earlier this month residents were invited to a consultation exhibition at the new Seacourt Hall to see the latest plans, including the proposal to add a storey to one of the residential blocks to create 30 additional flats.
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Developers said that the flats will be subject to a fresh planning application as West Way Square has already been approved.
The company’s David Banks said at the time: “This will be a separate application - the additional flats will provide much needed housing.
“We are looking at whether we can get some affordable housing on site but we need to go through the due planning process.”
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The new flats would be part of building work for phase two of the West Way Square development, which is due for completion in 2022.
Emily Smith, of Vale of White Horse District Council, was at the consultation exhibition where residents gathered to look at information boards.
The Premier Inn will have 123 bedrooms, and there will be 261 student apartments and 144 residential apartments.
North Hinksey parish councillor Chris Church said earlier: “There has been a lot of building work and residents will be very happy when it is all done but it is not due to finish until 2022.
According to the West Way Square website about 300 parking spaces are being provided.
Some residents are concerned the development would lead to people parking in residential streets.
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Mr Banks said developer contribution money to the Vale council would cover controlled parking zone costs.
While the shopping centre development is due for completion later this year a precise date has not yet been given for the opening.
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Tesco Express, Iceland, Lloyds Pharmacy and the Co-op are among chains opening at the new shopping centre.
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