Laing O'Rourke has been appointed as principal contractor for the Westgate Oxford Alliance, a joint venture between Land Securities and The Crown Estate Work.

The £440m development in Oxford city centre will develop the existing Westgate shopping development into an 800,000 sq ft retail and leisure destination, due for completion in autumn 2017.

Up to 1,000 construction workers are expected to be employed on the development, which is anticipated to create about 3,400 jobs in and around Oxford.

Laing O'Rourke's 30-month contract will see 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.

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Preparatory works at Westgate began in February. 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.

Steve Coleby, Leader for Laing O'Rourke UK construction business, said: "It is a privilege to work on a scheme of this magnitude that is set to deliver such an exceptional shopping and entertainment destination. As the latest major retail development in the UK, Westgate Oxford is an encouragingly strong indicator of economic recovery and returned consumer confidence in the UK."

Bert Martin, Development Director for the Westgate Oxford Alliance, said: "We are delighted to welcome Laing O'Rourke as construction partner for such a significant development. Laing O'Rourke's reputation and expertise, combined with high levels of interest from retailers and leisure operators, contributes to our confidence in Westgate Oxford and the positive impact it will have on this unique city."

(IT/JP)