The Westgate Oxford development is currently one of the most exciting upcoming retail projects in the country, with numerous potential tenants lining up to secure units in the £440 million complex. Today, the Westgate Oxford Alliance – a joint venture between Land Securities and The Crown Estate – confirmed that Laing O’Rourke has been appointed as principle contractor for the development, allowing work on the site to begin this spring.
Preparatory works have already begun to clear the site and enable construction workers to move into the existing Westgate shopping centre, which will be transformed into a three storey complex with more than 100 retail units, 25 restaurants and cafés, a boutique cinema and a roof top terrace dining space. The site will also provide consumers with access to a 1,000 space underground car park and 61 new residential properties, all due to be completed by autumn 2017.
Laing O’Rourke’s 30 month contract will place the firm in control of the construction of the shell and core of the remodelled property, with around 1,000 new construction jobs expected to be created as a result of the appointment. The firm already has a number of similar projects under its belt, as it has been involved in key developments including Trinity Leeds, Selfridges at the Bullring in Birmingham and Liverpool One.
Leader for Laing O’Rourke’s UK construction business, Steve Coleby, believes that Westgate Oxford will prove to be an immensely popular retail destination when it is completed in two and a half years’ time.
He says; “It is a privilege to work on a scheme of this magnitude that is set to deliver such an exceptional shopping and entertainment destination.
“As the latest major retail development in the UK, Westgate Oxford is an encouragingly strong indicator of economic recovery and returned consumer confidence in the UK.”
A number of tenant agreements have already been signed for the 800,000 sq ft development, with top department store chain John Lewis set to anchor the complex from a 140,000 sq ft unit. It will be joined by several other big name brands including H&M, Schuh, Primark and Next.
The boutique cinema will be operated by Curzon Cinemas and the Westgate Oxford Alliance continues to receive an immense amount of interest from leisure operators for the restaurant and café units, meaning that the current pre-let figure lies around 30 per cent. Excluding roles created during the construction phase, the development is expected to create around 3,400 permanent full- and part-time jobs for Oxford and the surrounding area.
Development director for the Westgate Oxford Alliance, Bert Martin, believes that the appointment of Laing O’Rourke will ensure that the scheme’s strong potential will be realised.
He says; “We are delighted to welcome Laing O’Rourke as construction partner for such a significant development.
“Laing O’Rourke’s reputation and expertise, combined with high levels of interest from retailers and leisure operators, contributes to our confidence in Westgate Oxford and the positive impact it will have on this unique city.”
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