About Templars Square Shopping Centre
At the heart of Cowley, Templars Square Shopping Centre has been a cornerstone of Oxford’s retail life for six decades. First opened in 1965 as the Cowley Centre and rebranded in 1989, it remains the city’s largest fully enclosed shopping destination, combining everyday convenience with a strong community spirit.
The centre is home to around 60 retailers, from high-street favourites such as B&M, Iceland, Peacocks, Select and Superdrug, to local independents like Boutique Hair & Beauty and Ideal Eyes. Together they create a balanced mix of national names and neighbourhood services, making Templars Square a practical hub for shopping, errands, and leisure.
Visitors will find everything designed with accessibility in mind. Facilities include toilets and baby-changing spaces on the lower ground floor and two on-site car parks — Barns Road and Castle Car Park — offering straightforward, affordable parking. Shopmobility scooters and wheelchairs are also available free of charge from the Hockmore Street entrance, ensuring the centre is easy to navigate for all.
Beyond retail, Templars Square is a lively gathering place, hosting seasonal events and community initiatives. From classic car displays and live music to Templeton’s Trail and a pre-loved school uniform pop-up that supports local families, the centre continues to demonstrate its role as more than just a shopping destination.
Looking ahead, big changes are on the horizon. Now under the ownership of Redevco, plans are in place to transform Templars Square into a modern, mixed-use quarter, with new apartments, food outlets, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and a hotel. It’s an ambitious vision that builds on the centre’s long history while shaping its future as a vibrant focal point for Cowley.
