NewRiver REIT has submitted a planning application to completely transform the Templars Square shopping centre and its immediate surroundings. The £60m mixed-use proposal will preserve the existing Templars Square shops, while bringing forward a range of significant improvements to create a more vibrant and thriving community in Cowley.
The proposed plans include the addition of a hotel; new restaurant units for leading national operators; a dramatically improved streetscape and pedestrian routes; upgraded, modernised car parking and stylish new feature entrances. Importantly, the proposed development will have over 200 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including affordable provision, a significant contribution from a brownfield site in tackling the recognised shortage of homes in Oxford.
Allan Lockhart, property director of NewRiver, said: “This milestone marks a real step-change for Cowley and is long-overdue. The case for regeneration is absolutely clear and this is an excellent opportunity to reinvigorate the heart of the town centre with high quality and modern, yet sensitively designed, development that will be a source of real pride locally – not just for our large number of loyal shoppers but for the wider local community.”
