NEW shops and late night leisure facilities could be built behind Wantage’s Waitrose store in a bid to boost town centre vitality.

The Vale of White Horse District Council has earmarked land off Wallingford Street for retail redevelopment – including shops and leisure facilities – over the next 17 years. Plans for the 3.9-acre plot, which takes in parts of Market Place, Grove Street and extends as far back as Stirlings Road and Seesen Way, were revealed in the council’s draft Local Development Framework – its long term plan for the district.

The council’s plan also proposes a 1,500-home development, along with an eastern bypass, to the north-east of Wantage, which would be built by 2026.

Council bosses said developers must now come forward with proposals to make the vision a reality.

Richard Dening-Smitherman, manager of Waitrose, said: “I think it would be positive for Wallingford Street and would certainly draw a footfall of customers through the town.”

But Carrie Ridley, manager of the Red Cross charity shop, said: “It would be a mistake. The town centre needs redeveloping.”

Town mayor Patrick O’Leary said: “Because of the serious size of this area we can start thinking about Wantage having a cinema, bowling alley and maybe a nightclub.

“This will add vibrancy to Wantage."