Location
Westgate is situated at the western terminus of Queen Street, overlooking Bonn Square. Historically, the West Gate of Oxford was positioned nearby at the intersection of Castle Street, Norfolk Street, and Paradise Street. This gate, which has its roots in the Saxon era, stood until the mid-17th century. The shopping centre’s name pays homage to this historic entry point into the city. The site is encircled by streets including Bonn Square, Castle Street, Norfolk Street, Oxpens Road, Old Greyfriars Street, Roger Bacon Lane, and St Ebbes Street. Additionally, the ancient Oxford Castle quarter lies to its northwest.
History
Inaugurated in 1972, the Westgate Shopping Centre was initially the property of Oxford City Council. Key tenants included renowned names like Selfridges, Sainsbury’s, and C&A. Additionally, the central library was relocated from the Town Hall to the centre, with Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, officially opening it on 31 October 1973. Notably, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh graced the centre with their presence in 1976.
By the 1980s, the centre transitioned into private hands. It saw a renovation in 1986, costing £3 million. In 1988, CIN Properties and Arrowcroft, the owners at the time, contemplated an expansion, though it never materialised. The prominent Selfridges store, which later transformed into Lewis’s and subsequently Allders, shut its doors in 2005. The space was then occupied by Primark the following year.
Redevelopment
Proposals to revamp the Westgate area first emerged in 2004. Over the subsequent years, this vision underwent multiple consultations and reviews. By the early 2010s, the refined plan gained approval, with the green light for development given in November 2014. Construction activities kicked off in 2015, leading to the original centre’s closure in 2016.
The force behind this transformation was the Westgate Oxford Alliance, a collaborative effort between the Crown Estate and the Land Securities Group Plc.
The modernized centre boasts nearly 800,000 square feet (74,000 m^2) dedicated to retail, dining, and entertainment. Among its highlights are a fresh John Lewis outlet, a rooftop eatery with panoramic views of Oxford, and a five-screen Curzon Cinema. As per the Oxford City Council, the centre’s £500 million makeover represents a pivotal phase in rejuvenating Oxford’s heart, resulting in state-of-the-art architecture and over 3,400 new full-time job equivalents. This revamped hub welcomed visitors once again on 24 October 2017.
2017 Features:
- The reinvented Westgate offers:
- A selection of over 100 new retail spaces, including a flagship John Lewis store and numerous mainstream retailers.
- A variety of cafés and eateries.
- Recreational amenities, inclusive of a cinema.
- A beautifully landscaped pathway alongside Castle Mill Stream.
- Two newly introduced public squares.
- Enhanced pedestrian pathways throughout the property.
- An optimized bus route, along with a fresh taxi drop-off/pick-up zone.
- Cycle storage options.
- A spacious two-tiered underground parking facility accommodating 900 to 1100 vehicles.
- An assortment of 59 new one- and two-bedroom residences.
By the 1980s, the centre transitioned into private hands. It saw a renovation in 1986, costing £3 million. In 1988, CIN Properties and Arrowcroft, the owners at the time, contemplated an expansion, though it never materialised. The prominent Selfridges store, which later transformed into Lewis’s and subsequently Allders, shut its doors in 2005. The space was then occupied by Primark the following year.
Westgate Oxford
The Westgate area’s transformation stands as a testament to the dynamic urban development capabilities of modern-day Oxford. Originally conceptualised in 2004, the proposal underwent meticulous scrutiny and adjustments over the years, before culminating into a grand, actionable design by the early 2010s. The redevelopment effort, spearheaded by the Westgate Oxford Alliance – a collaboration between the prestigious Crown Estate and Land Securities Group Plc, bore fruit with the establishment of a sprawling 800,000 square foot establishment by 2017. This contemporary space, blending retail, gastronomy, and entertainment, boasts notable features like the John Lewis store, a scenic rooftop dining space, and a modern Curzon Cinema.
Beyond the commercial and recreational spaces, the project introduced fresh public squares, enhanced pedestrian pathways, and streamlined transport facilities, illustrating a well-thought-out urban plan. Its commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by cycle storage provisions and a vast underground parking facility. This £500 million project not only reshaped the physical architecture of Oxford’s city centre but also brought forth substantial economic opportunities, adding over 3,400 full-time roles. The revitalised Westgate is more than a shopping centre; it’s a vivid reflection of Oxford’s evolution, symbolising the city’s progressive outlook and dedication to blending history with modernity.
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