A programme of works has been unveiled for a shopping centre in Oxfordshire, with an elected member promising the changes will improve the surroundings.

West Oxfordshire District Council is putting money into a series of enhancements at Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre.

The scheme includes new and improved seating, tree planting, woodland redesign and better navigation signs.

According to the council, visitor numbers at Marriotts Walk have risen by 28.6 per cent compared to the previous year, with 20 of the 21 shops currently let.

Duncan Enright, the cabinet member responsible for economic growth, stated that since the local authority acquired the site in 2023 it has been providing benefits to local residents and that the past twelve months have been highly successful for the centre.

He noted that it has brought in over £450,000 to support local services during the 2025/26 financial year.

The Labour representative continued that they are building on this achievement by investing in making the environment more pleasant for visitors. He explained that with occupancy at record levels and strong interest from businesses, Marriotts Walk is set to expand on its accomplishments throughout 2026, drawing in fresh enterprises, hosting successful events and animating the town centre.

Thomas Ashby, a Conservative councillor, expressed support for the refresh while insisting it should not be funded by council taxpayers.

He said that since this administration decided to purchase the shopping centre, any upgrades must be paid for entirely from the income it produces.

He continued that improving the public spaces is welcome, but urgent attention must go to vital facilities, such as repairing lifts that regularly malfunction and doors that pose safety risks. He added that the council should ultimately ask Witney residents what they would like to see happen, making certain the space becomes truly inviting so the town can prosper for years to come.

Despite Marriotts Walk Shopping Centre performing strongly, other parts of Witney are reportedly facing difficulties.

The local chamber of commerce has recently contacted local authorities and elected representatives after its members reported sales drops of between 20 and 30 per cent compared to the same period last year.

This concerning statement comes as significant transformations take place in the town centre, with building work underway to modernise the High Street and Market Square where many of its members operate.

Nevertheless, the organisation said it supported the Marriotts Walk plans and any other initiatives that draw people to spend time and money in the town.

This includes its aim to ensure Witney businesses receive good promotion.

Chair Adrian Bullock said that they are currently collaborating with the council on a navigation scheme covering the entire town centre so that visitors are aware of all the shopping and dining possibilities. He noted that this particularly aims to help visitors move between Marriotts Walk, the High Street and the various lesser-known shopping routes such as Wesley Walk and Waterloo Walk.