Laing O'Rourke has been named the principal contractor for Westgate Oxford, with work due to start on the site in spring.

A joint venture between Land Securities and The Crown Estate, the £440m development in Oxford city centre will transform the existing Westgate shopping centre into an 800,000 sq ft retail and leisure destination, due for completion in autumn 2017.

Up to 1,000 construction workers will work on the development which, when complete, will create around 3,400 jobs in and around Oxford.

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Laing O'Rourke's 30-month contract is focused on the construction of the shell and core of the three-storey retail centre, together with a 1,000-space underground car park and 61 new residential properties. The project will also involve extensive remodeling of the existing Westgate shopping centre.

Preparatory works at Westgate began in February following approval by Oxford City Council and leasing commitments from leading national and international retailers. The new Westgate Oxford will include over 100 new stores, 25 restaurants and cafes, a boutique cinema, roof top terrace dining and a wealth of new public spaces.

(CD/JP)