The people of Oxford have their first chance today to tell developers what they think about the £220m planned development for the city's Westgate shopping centre.

Described as the city's biggest scheme for 15 years, its backers are confident that it will help confirm the city's place as one of the biggest regional shopping centres in the country.

New features include a bus interchange running underneath part of the centre, 30 shops, a large department store and a 1,400-space underground car park. Bonn Square will also be re-modelled with Queen Street closed to buses.

The existing multi-storey car park will be demolished. The new-look Westgate centre will also feature restaurants and cafes.

Developers hope the centre, which will stretch as far as Thames Street will employ thousands of mainly local people.

Between now and November 19, shoppers have the chance to look at a display stand in the shopping centre itself. A public meeting will be held at the Town Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday, November 11.

Questionnaires are also being sent out in next week's Oxford Star, the Mail's sister paper.

Although a public consultation is being held now, the developer, Capital Shopping Centres, still has to apply for planning permission, which they expect to do in the new year

Richard Cable, group development manager, said: "We see this development really adding to the city's landscape and establishing Oxford as a major regional shopping centre in this area."

Story date: Tuesday 26 October

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