West Oxfordshire District Council Upgrades Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre

The West Oxfordshire District Council is implementing an upgrade program for the Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre in Witney, focusing on public realm enhancements. The project includes new seating, tree planting, woodland redesign, and improved wayfinding and signage. These investments follow a 28.6 percent year-on-year increase in footfall and a high occupancy rate, with 20 of the 21 retail units currently filled. The center generated more than £450,000 for local services during the 2025/26 period.

While the Witney and District Chamber of Commerce welcomes the upgrades, the group notes that other town center businesses have seen trading figures drop by 20 to 30 percent. This decline is attributed to ongoing construction on the High Street and Market Square. To mitigate this, the chamber is collaborating with the council on a town-wide wayfinding project to better direct visitors to shopping and hospitality options.

Conservative councillor Thomas Ashby supported the aesthetic refresh but argued that the council should prioritize essential infrastructure repairs, such as fixing unsafe doors and frequently broken lifts. He further maintained that because the administration purchased the shopping center, any improvements should be funded by the revenue the center generates rather than by taxpayers.