A multi-million pound revamp of Oxford’s Clarendon Centre is to go ahead but fashion giant H&M has pulled out.
The owners of the shopping centre, which has entrances on Cornmarket and Queen Street, have submitted an ambitious planning application to revamp the centre, creating a new public square and a centre for high-tech business start-ups.
At the same time Lothbury Investment Management has confirmed that H&M will not reopen after lockdown and will focus entirely on its Westgate store.
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Graham Jones, a spokesman for ROX (Rescue Oxford) Backing Oxford Business, said he was disappointed to learn that H&M will no longer be trading at the Clarendon Centre.
H&M at the Clarendon Centre
He added: “Its not particularly good news that more traditional retail is being lost from the Cornmarket area after Boswells and Debenhams closed.
“The Clarendon Centre is in an ideal position between Cornmarket and Queen Street to provide well-known high street brands.
“This is perhaps not the logical choice of location for business start-ups but it’s a different income stream so it could be a smart move.
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“After the pandemic the high street probably won’t get back to what it was, as shopping habits have changed but there will still be opportunities for traditional retail in the city centre where shoppers want to look at the clothes they are buying and the new centre will be part of that.”
An artist's impression of the new public square at the Clarendon Centre revealed in October 2020 Picture: Lothbury Investment Management
As part of the proposals, Lothbury is planning to create new public spaces at both ground and roof level, and open a new link into historic Frewin Court, which has remained largely undiscovered in recent years.
It will focus on retail, leisure and café spaces at ground level, and offices, research laboratories and purpose-built accommodation for an Oxford University college above.
Adam Smith, from Lothbury Investment Management, said: “We are very excited to have submitted our proposals for the Clarendon Centre to Oxford City Council.
“With retail and the way we all shop changing so rapidly, the Clarendon Centre also must change.
“Our proposed redevelopment will mean this prominent location remains vibrant and maintains a thriving and lively street scene.
The new public square at the Clarendon Centre Picture: Lothbury Investment Management
“The new public square at the heart of this development is particularly important, providing a landscaped setting for visitors to meet and use.
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“There will also for the first time be a publicly accessible, landscape designed roof space which will showcase the historic spires of Oxford. This will be fully accessible and free to visit.
“I would like to thank all those who contributed to our consultation. The feedback on the designs was very positive, particularly the opportunities provided by the new public square.”
Residents can comment on the application on Oxford City Council website using reference number: 21/00110/FUL.
The Clarendon Centre in Oxford
If planning permission is granted, construction work on the redevelopment will commence in 2021.
The departure of H&M leaves Gap and TK Maxx as the centre’s key fashion stores.
Zara switched to the Westgate Centre in 2018 and its unit was then occupied by TK Maxx.
Mr Smith added: “Everyone would acknowledge that the world pandemic has accelerated the retail trends which were already coming through.
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“Repurposing is the buzzword and part of that is designing flexibility in and the three-storey H&M store can now be used for lab space (business start-ups).”
Mr Smith said the company wanted to create an attractive outdoor area for the public square with restaurants and cafes around the edges and trees and water features.
He added: “There is lots of green space in the city but some of them are private space, college quads.
“Our rooftop terrace will offer a different perspective on the dreaming spires to Westgate because we are right in the city centre.
“H&M leaving now gives us the opportunity to bring forward our plans for the lab space.”
Approaching the new square at the Clarendon Centre: Picture: Lothbury Investment Management
Building work on another major project on the other side of Cornmarket has been progressing well.
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A £36m Jesus College scheme to create student accommodation, new facilities, retail units and a doctor’s surgery, is due to be finished in autumn 2021 to mark the college’s 450th anniversary.
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