Shopkeepers in a run-down Oxford precinct have welcomed plans to redevelop their 1960s concrete centre – even though it could take 20 years.

Traders in Botley’s West Way shopping centre have been fighting to get the area spruced up for years because they claim its down-at-heel image is putting off shoppers.

Now the Vale of White Horse District Council, as landlord of the centre, has decided its time to re-develop the shopping arcade and adjoining Elms Parade as part of its wider plans to build 11,560 new homes across the district.

Though no specific details have been revealed, the outline for scheme includes a new supermarket, retails space and offices.

It is not clear if the Co-op or Iceland have been consulted or whether there would be any change to the free parking at the site.

West Way currently has three large empty units. Helibeds and Johnsons dry cleaners shut in the past few months, while a former video store has been vacant for more than two years.

Kate El-Barhdadi, who runs the Rococo restaurant, said: “People are reluctant to open a shop here because it looks run-down.

“The rents are not cheap. We’re paying similar ones to those in Walton Street in Jericho, but we hardly have the same location. Working in town too you realise how drab it is here. She said she would favour a covered precinct, adding: “In the winter it looks like an eastern European bomb site.”

Alison Green, has a 10-year lease on her salon Hair Therapy. She said: “The whole area is just horrendous. I’ve grown up in the area and have worked here since I was 13 . It hasn’t changed a bit.

“We have spent thousands on the look of our shop and have done as much as we can with our individual premises.

“I have customers from all over Oxford but it’s quite embarrassing what they’re greeted with here.”

Nicolina Buschman, manager of Jasons Flowers, said: “People like us because they can do some shopping without the hassle and cost of having to go into the centre of Oxford.”

A public consultation on the outline plans is expected to be launched in January.

Council leader Tony de Vere said: “The Vale would like to re-develop that site over the next 20 years.

“Putting it down on a map gives a signal to developers to come on down with their proposals.

“Everybody would say when a precinct was built in the 1960s it will look sad after this sort of time and it’s in need of refreshment.

“It isn’t just a simple lick of paint that’s needed.

“We’re saying to developers, ‘Come forward with big proposals’.”

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk