THE planned West Way centre will be home to Frankie & Benny’s, Prezzo and a Premier Inn hotel if planning is approved next month.

Doric Properties and Mace have announced some of the retailers signed up for a place in the proposed £100m Botley regeneration scheme.

But developers have failed to announce the occupier of the 8,500 sq/m anchor supermarket store, but last night insisted a deal was close.

A six-screen Cineworld cinema, Chiquitos Mexican bar and grill, American restaurant Dean’s Diner and Coal Grill & Bar complete the line-up so far.


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Eric Batts, a Vale Councillor for North Hinksey welcomed the announcement.

He said: “The Premier Inn will fill the need for more mid-priced hotel accommodation in the area. There is nothing on the west side of Oxford really, and this will attract business people who want to stay overnight and families who want to stay for the weekend.

“Frankie and Benny’s is a good mid-priced restaurant for families who want to take their children out. It’s all very positive and will increase the footfalls at weekends and also create jobs.”

An estimated 600 jobs will be created during the construction phase and 480 jobs once the centre is up and running.

Oxford Mail: botley piazza new pic

An artist's impression of the redevelopment

Doric Properties said it has been in positive discussions with existing traders about their futures and having major chains in would help them.

Director Simon Hillcox said: “The attraction of the big name outlets will help to bring more footfall to the independent retailers who will also benefit from a new location fronting Westminster Way.”

But West Way Community Concern chairman Chris Church said: “What this means is Botley losing more of its local character. If this goes ahead we are likely to lose our independent traders, such as Cafe Aloha, who won ‘Oxford’s Cafe of the Year’ award at the Oxford Restaurant Awards just two weeks ago.”

He questioned the need for a cinema given the close proximity of The Odeon, George Street, The Odeon Magdalen Street, and Phoenix Picturehouse in Jericho.

Mr Church added: “There are three cinemas within 20 minutes of Botley, and a fourth complex is planned for Westgate. A new six-screen cinema in Oxfordshire would be far better sited in Abingdon – a town likely to see growth in coming years and currently has no cinema.”

Cafe Aloha owner Charlie Bartlett said it hadn’t yet secured a place in the proposed new development but hoped it would improve business.

The businessman said: “We’ve been guaranteed a place but I need to know rent prices.

“If the development goes ahead new retailers will attract a lot more customers and offer opportunities.”

Lib Dem Councillor for North Hinksey Debby Hallett said the list failed to cater for local needs.

She said:“It’s a list of bars and restaurants for the entertainment of the 525 students.

“There’s not a single retail unit to serve the needs of Botley's residents. And still no food store operator.”

Signed up

Retailers signed up to the  £100m Botley regeneration scheme

  • Chiquito Restaurant Bar and Mexican Grill 
  • Frankie and Benny’s 
  • Dean’s Diner 
  • Coal Grill & Bar 
  • Cineworld 
  • Premier Inn 
  • Prezzo  


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