Laing O'Rourke confirmed for Westgate Oxford

Land Securities and The Crown Estate have confirmed Laing O’Rourke as their main contractor for the redevelopment of Oxford’s Westgate shopping centre.

The 30-month contract will focus on creating the shell and core of the three-storey centre, as well as a 1,000-space underground car park and 61 new homes.

Land Securities said preparatory work began on the scheme last month and the project was earmarked for completion in autumn 2017.

Steve Coleby, leader for Laing O’Rourke’s UK construction business, said the expanded centre would include more than 100 new stores, 25 restaurants and cafes, a new cinema and a rooftop terrace.

“It is a privilege to work on a scheme of this magnitude that is set to deliver such an exceptional shopping and entertainment destination,” he said.

“As the latest major retail development in the UK, Westgate Oxford is an encouragingly strong indicator of economic recovery and returned consumer confidence.”