Upgrade scheme announced at Oxfordshire shopping centre

West Oxfordshire District Council is investing in a programme of ‘improvements’ at Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre.

The project will see upgraded and additional seating, the planting of tress, the redesign of woodland and improved wayfinding and signage.

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The council has said this comes after a 28.6 per cent year-on-year increase in footfall at Marriotts Walk, with 20 out of 21 retail units currently occupied.

Duncan Enright, executive member for economic development, said that since the local authority purchased the district in 2023 it has “been delivering value for our communities” and that the past year has been “incredibly positive” for the hub.

Duncan Enright, executive member for economic development (Image: WODC)

He explained that it has generated more than £450,000 as a contribution to local services in the 2025/26 period.

The Labour politician added: “We are now building on that success with investment into making the space nicer for people to use.

“With occupancy at its highest level ever and strong demand for space, Marriotts Walk is well positioned to build on its success throughout 2026, continuing to attract new businesses, deliver memorable events and enliven the town centre at the heart of our town.”

Councillor Thomas Ashby (Image: Thomas Ashby)

While Conservative councillor Thomas Ashby welcomed the refresh, he was clear that it shouldn’t come at the taxpayer’s expense.

“Since this administration,” he explained, “chose to buy the shopping centre, any improvements must be funded directly by the revenue it generates”.

Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre (Image: WODC)

He added: “Public realm enhancements are a good step, but urgent priority must be given to essential infrastructure, like fixing frequently broken lifts and unsafe doors.

“Ultimately, the council must consult Witney residents on what they actually want to see, ensuring the space becomes genuinely welcoming so our town can thrive long into the future.”

Although Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre is performing well, other areas of Witney are reportedly struggling.

Witney and District Chamber of Commerce chair Adrian Bullock (Image: Witney and District Chamber of Commerce)

Witney Chamber of Commerce has recently written to its local authorities and politicians after its members’ trading figures declined by between 20 and 30 per cent compared to last year.

The harrowing claim comes amid major changes to the centre of the town, with construction works ongoing to ‘upgrade’ the High Street and Market Square where many of its members are based.

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Even so, the group said it welcomed the Marriotts Walk scheme and anything else that “encourages people to spend time and money in the town”.

This includes its plan to ensure that businesses in Witney are well advertised.

Chair Adrian Bullock said: “We are currently working with WODC on a way finding project for the whole town centre so people that visit know about all the shopping and hospitality options.

“In particular so that visitors can navigate between Marriotts Walk, the High Street and the various “hidden” shopping walkways like Wesley Walk and Waterloo Walk.”