MANAGERS at Oxford’s Westgate Centre have said they will be making changes to the Westgate Social.

It follows The Oxford Mail’s report on complaints about the food hall at the £440m shopping centre.

Traders and customers said a lack of signage and poor lighting in the ‘hidden’ food court were damaging business.

Oxford Mail:

The Social, which boasts an eclectic mix of food outlets, is part of Oxford’s new £440m Westgate Centre.

But many are worried it will not continue to be viable unless changes are made.

Oxford Mail:

Now, a statement has been made by managers at the shopping centre following the concerns from firms amid the departure of Indian-inspired restaurant ‘Rola Wala’ – which closed for the final time after just six months of trading.

Oxford Mail:

Managers told the Oxford Mail: “Rola Wala has closed due to the business entering a CVA.

They added: “We are committed to Westgate Social, a concept which brings a new type of dining offer to Oxford.

“After speaking with retailers, we will be making a range of changes to lighting and signage over the coming weeks.”

In an online survey conducted by the Oxford Mail, 36 per cent of shoppers asked said they had never even heard of the Westgate Social.

Another 31 per cent said they had been to the Social once, but did not plan to return to the food court, which is underneath the main Queen Street entrance to the shopping centre.

Westgate insists the food offering in the Social has been well received so far.

The statement said: “Our Westgate Social brands have received some great feedback since opening – including a glowing Oxford Mail review of Tommi’s Burger Joint – and there are plenty of options at various price points within a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

“We look forward to sharing news of our new brand in due course.”

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