Business & Technology
Oxfordshire high street project set to last all summer
The construction schedule for the Witney High Street and Market Square Project is due to go to Oxfordshire County Council for final sign-off on Thursday, 26 March.
If it is given the all-clear, the works, which aim to improve walking and cycling access and road safety, will start in early May.
In addition, it will introduce more trees, more seating and improved footway surfacing to the area and an automatic number plate recognition camera will be installed.
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A spokesperson for the county council said: “The project will create a more welcoming public realm that encourages more people to visit.”
The local authority intends for the work to last 26 weeks, so it is completed ahead of winter.
However, this start date is later than even recent plans which would have seen construction begin in early 2026 and end in the summer.
Indeed, Witney councillor Thomas Ashby has criticised the “poorly judged” timing of the works.
The Conservative said: “By scheduled construction over the summer, the council is creating significant hurdles for hospitality venues that depend on outdoor service during the warmer months.
“Between the disruption to front-of-house trade and the decision to turn parts of the Woolgate Car Park into a ‘site depot,’ it is clear there has been a profound lack of communication and forward thinking.”
Fellow councillor Andrew Coles was also critical and left feeling “deeply frustrated” by the delays, although he appreciated it was due to funding.
Indeed, the scheme’s budget is now well beyond the £1.98m awarded by Active Travel England, with the new budget set at £4.4m.
The council said this will let it “deliver more of what people told us they would like while meeting increasing materials and labour prices”.
On the overall scheme, Mr Coles was enthusiastic.
The Labour politician said: “The enhancements will undoubtedly bring a benefit to Witney and for local people that live in the centre of town as well as all those that come to Witney to visit and shop.”
He added that it is essential it is completed before the Christmas trading period.
Despite his endorsement, the scheme is far from universally popular.
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Adrian Bullock of the Witney and District Chamber of Commerce cited major concerns about its cost, aims and impact on traffic flow.
He said: “It is likely there will be issues with deliveries blocking the road and the proposals to have several sections of single carriageway will result in bottle necks along its length.”
If he could make one addition to the scheme it would be the inclusion of a small number of 15 minute parking spaces, which he said would give ordinary cars high street access.
He added: “While we believe the high street could have been treated differently than it is. Witney is still a great place to visit, shop, explore, eat and relax.”
The Original Factory Shop which sells discounted homewares, furniture, electrical goods and toys, shut its store in Carterton yesterday (Saturday, March 28).
On the business’ Facebook page, last-minute discounts were being offered with clothing down to £2 an item.
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On Thursday, March 26, a spokesperson for the store said: “Everything in store is now up to 85 per cent off as we prepare to close our doors this weekend.
“This is your last chance to grab a bargain – once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Following that announcement, prices were subsequently lowered and lowered.
Other branches around the UK also shut yesterday including in Cromer, Gorleston and Bungay in Norfolk and Suffolk with major sales also being implemented at other locations.
This comes after the business fell into administration in January, with further closures also expected imminently in Snettisham, according to The Sun, and around the country.
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Administrators said The Original Factory Shop’s troubles have been driven by challenging trading conditions, linked to high-cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.
Problems were then exacerbated by issues linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator, weakening sales further.
It only has one store in Oxfordshire, its Carterton shop, although Claire’s – which is also owned by investment firm Modella Capital and is in administration – has one in the Oxford Westgate shopping centre.
The fashion retailer this month closed down its store in the Oxford city centre shopping centre having opened in October 2017 as part of the £440m revamp.
It was one of the original retailers as part of the shopping centre’s new phase of life, along with John Lewis, Primark and Next.
A spokeswoman from Hugo Boss said: “Hugo Boss optimises its global store portfolio as part of its long-term strategy, which also affects the Boss Oxford Westgate Centre store.
“Hugo Boss will maintain a strong presence in the UK, and we will also continue to serve our customers via our online flagship store at hugoboss.com.”
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The company did not say whether any redundancies had been made from closing the store.
The spokeswoman said: “Wherever possible, we reallocate employees through transfers or other internal opportunities.”
There are indeed other branches not too far, including at Bicester Village, Swindon and Reading.
A spokeswoman for the Westgate said: “We remain committed to making Westgate Oxford a vibrant and varied retail destination for our guests, welcoming exciting new arrivals such as Sephora, The Beefy Boys, and the opening of Lego later this spring, as well as recently upsized stores for Oliver Bonas, Goldsmiths, and Superdrug.
“We look forward to sharing more details about new brands joining the centre soon.”
Henley Business Buzz hosted its first event at Henley Rugby Club, drawing more than 30 businesses and decision-makers from the local area.
The group is part of the wider Business Buzz network, offering informal, no-membership, pay-as-you-go networking that focuses on building professional relationships in a relaxed setting.
Orinta Gaucyte, host of Henley Business Buzz, said: “It was fantastic to see so many local businesses come together for our first Henley Buzz.
“There’s something really special about building a supportive community where people feel comfortable, included and able to make genuine connections.
“A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the launch such a success.”
The launch was attended by Business Buzz co-founders Katrina Sargent and Simon George, who officially opened the event.
The Henley meetings are supported by sponsors Logic Financial Services and Logic Mortgages.
Lee Humphrey, of Logic Financial Services, said: “It’s brilliant to see an event like Business Buzz arrive in Henley.
“Creating opportunities for local businesses to connect in a relaxed and approachable way is incredibly valuable for the town, and we’re proud to support something that brings the business community closer together.”
Henley Business Buzz will take place on the fourth Thursday of each month, with the next event scheduled for Thursday, April 23.
All businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the area are welcome to attend.
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