Construction work on the redevelopment of the Westgate shopping centre in Oxford is to start early next year.

A temporary car park will open at Oxpens on 15 December 2014 ahead of the planned closure of Westgate multi-storey and Abbey Place car parks.

To accommodate extra traffic during the run-up to Christmas, the car parks at Westgate will not close until Monday 5 January 2015.

Oxpens coach and car park has been revitalised and extended for car parking customers.


Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council said: "The temporary car park will help to keep the city centre car parking numbers at a reasonable level for most day to day requirements, but at peak times, we would encourage motorists to think about using the Park and Ride sites and the excellent bus services. We are of course looking forward to the new Westgate car park coming on stream in autumn 2017."

The extended Oxpens car park will provide around 420 car parking spaces. This has been achieved by creating spaces behind the Ice Rink using a matting surface that can be removed once the development is completed. Motorists can also find alternative parking at Worcester Street, Gloucester Green, St Giles, and Broad Street.

(CD/IT)