A MAJOR expansion of Witney’s Woolgate Centre will happen in the next six months, despite recession pressures, managers have insisted.

An extra 26,000sq ft of shop space is planned for the centre, with a two-storey extension beside the Cargo store, beside the Witan Way car park.

The announcement came as a boost to the town which last week saw £30m plans to redevelop the Abingdon & Witney College site shelved.

Neil Hardiman, development manager for the site’s owner the Universities Superannuation Scheme, confirmed the aim was to start work within six months.

He said: “There has been a lot of interest from traders, but I’m not in a position to say who they are. All I can say is that the cost of the extension will be a seven-figure sum.”

However, Mr Hardiman confirmed interest being shown in the new stores was from different companies to those involved in the town’s £50m Marriotts Close development.

Woolgate manager Rodney Hartnell said: “Witney has always been a sought-after area, and there is always a lot of interest from people about coming into the centre.

“The extension will give people more choice and help to keep money in the local economy. And new stores will mean new jobs being created in the town.”

The expansion was given the green light by West Oxfordshire District Council last year, but work was delayed because of wrangling over planning gain contributions.