Westgate Oxford opens its 'Gate' to the public

London - Westgate Oxford, the largest retail and leisure destination to open in the UK this year, has officially opened its 'gate' to the public today. The highly anticipated shopping centre aims to transform the area into a leading UK retail destination and is expected to welcome about 15 million people each year.

Spanning more than 800,000 square feet the new centre includes a 140,000 square foot John Lewis flagship store, as well as a number of leading national and international fashion retailers, such as Uniqlo, Ted Baker, Victoria’s Secret and Primark. The retail development will further boost the city's growing independent retail and leisure offering with the opening of local fashion retailer Burrows & Hare. Westgate Oxford also features the city's first public roof terrace, offering visitors new views of Oxford's spires and countryside and access to a list of rooftop restaurants.

Westgate Oxford opens for business

"With a first-class line-up of retail, food and leisure brands, Westgate Oxford cements the city’s reputation as one the most attractive destinations in the country," commented Brendan Hattam, Centre Manager, Westgate Oxford. "We’ve worked hard to bring Oxford something that’s truly unique, blending the character and charm of this historic city with all the ingredients of a perfect day out. Welcoming the public for the first time today has been a momentous occasion and we’re extremely proud to have officially opened the doors of the centre.”

In honour of Westgate Oxford opening, the shopping centre is set to host a series of theatrical and creative events between October 24 and November 2 under the theme ' curiouser and curiouser', in homage to the iconic novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Events taking place include an acrobatics display in a balloon sailing up towards the shopping centres glass roof; an interactive 'Eat Me, Drink Me' tasting experience on the roof terrace; a 'Mad Dash' shopping experience, led by the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit; and a 'Cabinet of Curiosities' mini-museum featuring a collection of interesting objects from around Oxford.

Photos: Courtesy of Westgate Oxford