Land Securities confirms Oxford Westgate construction will begin in spring

9th Feb 2015 07:52

A Land Securities joint venture to complete the £440m redevelopment of Oxford's Westgate shopping centre will begin construction in spring after the companies confirmed the project will go ahead.The Westgate Oxford Alliance, a joint venture between Land Securities and The Crown Estate, confirmed the project will proceed with preparatory works starting soon.The 800,000 square metre retail and leisure centre is due for completion in autumn 2017 and several new retailers have agreed leasing commitments, with the development now 28% pre-let. Oxford City Council leader, councillor Bob Price, said: "This is an important day for the city of Oxford. As a key regeneration project for the city, Westgate Oxford will not only create many new jobs, it will also support the whole region including existing businesses, by increasing footfall in the city - I am delighted to hear that construction will begin imminently." The development is expected to generate up to 1,000 construction jobs with a further 3,400 retail positions opening up once the centre is completed in 2017.