A MULTI-MILLION pound revamp of Witney’s Woolgate Shopping Centre starts on Monday.

The Oxford Mail can today unveil an exclusive peek at the plans, which will add 23,500 sq ft of new shopping space.

The work, which will be finished by June next year, starts days before the town’s new Marriott’s development opens.

Owners Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Ltd signed a deal this week with fashion retailer Next to occupy the majority of the extension.

It will also provide a larger two-storey store for household goods retailer Cargo and accommodation for another shop, which has not yet been revealed.

USS’s development manager Neil Hardiman said: “We are delighted we are able to provide improved accommodation for Cargo, a longstanding tenant, and bring Next to Witney.

“Both stores will, I am sure, play a key role in attracting shoppers to the town.

“An enhanced Woolgate Shopping Centre has the potential to boost town centre trade as a whole because of its location at the heart of Witney.”

Work on the project will begin just days before the new shopping development at Marriott’s Walk opens on Thursday.

Next and Cargo, which closed down in September to allow the extension to begin, are scheduled to open in autumn next year.

The plans were welcomed by traders in the shopping centre.

Michael Lynes, owner of Michael Lynes Jewellers, said: “It shows a considerable amount of confidence in the centre.

“Certainly the footfall the centre gets is huge and I see why they need to extend it.

“The centre is unusual in that it still has a number of independent shops, whereas most shopping centres are made up of multiples. But we need to attract people of different ages and styles.

“To have Next, which offers young fashion, is probably really good for the centre – it gives it a well-rounded appeal.”

Martin Quinn, manager of Kodak Express, said: “It’s very encouraging, considering the type of retail outlets coming in. It will be a boost for the centre.”

Colin Johnson, manager of H Samuel jewellers, added: “We are very pleased there is another major name coming to Witney.

“It will complement the development that’s going on at Marriott’s Close. It will be good to get some major fashion brands down here as well.

“We desperately need more retailers that do gents’ and children’s clothing – and Next fits all of that.”

The project was granted planning permission in July.

Mr Hardiman added: “The design of the extension will complement the Cotswold-style of the existing buildings, and sit comfortably within the historic town centre, respecting the existing scale, pattern and form.

“We are now in discussions with a number of retailers regarding the third unit in the extension.”

Contractor Bowmer and Kirkland has been appointed to the project, which also includes work to the car park.

A new square will be created, with work beginning in February. It will take six weeks.

An extra 10 disabled parking spaces will be provided, along with 17 extra standard spaces.

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk