Oxford city centre Clarendon Centre public square approved

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Planning approval has been granted for a new public square at Oxford's Clarendon Centre shopping development.

Oxford's Clarendon Centre shopping development has been approved for a major revamp centred on a new public square. The scheme will demolish more than 8,000 square metres of retail space and remove the shopping centre's roof and large parts of its inward-facing layout.

The new square will include trees, seating, a water feature, an outdoor café and restaurant space, and public art. Planning officers Jennifer Coppock and Hayley Jeffery said in their report that the proposal represented 'an opportunity to introduce a new, large, publicly accessible space into the heart of Oxford, where there are very few public spaces and nothing directly comparable to what is proposed'.

Officers noted that 'new, open-to-air streets, opening up new/lost connections across centre of city are welcomed and positive compared to the previously enclosed centre'. They also requested that the historic Woolworths 'W' sign on Cornmarket Street is preserved and displayed as part of the redevelopment. City planners say the scheme will help draw people and users of the city centre into the site and increase footfall and activity to New Inn Hall Street via Shoe Lane.

How it is being reported

• 'Nothing directly comparable' city centre scheme to go aheadPlans for a landmark public square in Oxford city centre have been approved, with planners saying there is "nothing directly comparable" elsewhere in the city.Oxford Mail · 19 Oct, 12:30
• 'Nothing directly comparable' city centre scheme to go aheadPlans for a landmark public square in Oxford city centre have been approved, with planners saying there is "nothing directly comparable" elsewhere in the city.Oxfordshire Guardian · 19 Oct, 12:30

In this story: Oxford · Clarendon Centre · Cornmarket Street · New Inn Hall Street

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