THE newly-approved overhaul of the Westgate Shopping Centre could change the face of Oxford city centre, a business leader has said.

Oxfordshire Town Chamber Network director Keith Glazier said the development would have “an enormous effect” on the city economy.

But he warned that skills and employment training schemes were needed or developers the Westgate Oxford Alliance may struggle to fill shop units.

It came after final approval of the £500m scheme was given on Tuesday night by Oxford City Council.

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The project will see the current mall building refurbished and its multi-storey car park demolished and replaced with a large shopping complex.

This will include a flagship three-storey John Lewis store, five-screen Curzon Cinema and underground parking with 1,100 spaces.

Construction is likely to start early next year for an autumn 2017 opening.

Retail consultant Mr Glazier said: “If Westgate performs in the way it is expected it will have an enormous effect on Oxford’s economy, with hundreds of millions of pounds in extra sales happening.

“That new trade will have a major impact, as will the employment it will generate. The question will be whether there will be sufficiently trained numbers of staff to meet demand.”

Councillors at Tuesday’s meeting said the development would make Oxford a “dominant subregional retail destination”.

The developer has said it will create 3,400 jobs including 1,800 during construction.

Mr Glazier added: “Firms looking at Westgate will need to see that there are people with the right training in Oxford, so the right employment schemes will need to be in place.

“But there are also going to be a lot more shoppers coming in to the city. That is going to require lots of extra parking, or upgrades to the park-and-rides.

“John Lewis in particular is big on its ‘click and collect’ service and so will be keen on good access.”

The council is expecting £4.3m from developers for infrastructure improvements.

It is expected this will go on projects such as upgraded park-and-ride facilities at Redbridge and Seacourt, bus stops and cycle parking.

Development manager Sara Fuge said: “We bring together two for the UK’s most successful property companies, The Crown Estate and Land Securities.

“Both organisations have track records of delivering regeneration schemes across the country, including in centres with heritage sensitivity.

“The Alliance will work with councils and business groups to make sure it is business as usual for Oxford throughout the construction period.”

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