Retail and Leisure
Our Retail and Leisure category brings together the places, products and experiences that shape how we shop, stay, unwind and explore. From independent boutiques and high-street favourites to standout hotels and leisure destinations, discover what’s new, what’s worth your time, and what’s making an impact across the sector.
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Look inside Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel £3.5m refurbishment
One of Oxford’s best-kept secrets, Hawkwell House, has been transformed into a stunning boutique hotel following a £3.5 million refurbishment.
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Oxford United Football Club new stadium work streams to begin on ‘The Triangle’ site
OUFC has announced that a series of new stadium work streams will be starting immediately, following the decision by the County Council to proceed with negotiations on ‘The Triangle’ site.
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UPDATED: Paperchase at Westgate centre in Oxford is closing
The Paperchase stores at Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford and Bell Street in Henley-on-Thames could be at risk of closure after their parent company fell into administration.
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Oxford Castle & Prison wins gold in Tourism South East’s Beautiful South Awards
Oxford Castle & Prison has won gold for the second year running in the ‘Small Attraction of the Year’ Category at Tourism South East’s annual ‘Beautiful South 2022/23’ Awards.
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“Plan B is critical” for Oxford United FC despite stadium talks progress
Oxford United FC has been told that “a plan B is critical” over its 2026 stadium deadline despite Oxfordshire County Council agreeing to progress talks.
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Free parking to continue at Witney’s Marriotts Walk after council’s £9m purchase
The car park is open from 7.00am until 1.00am on Monday to Saturday and from 9.00am until 1.00am (Monday) on Sundays, with shoppers able to park for free for four hours on floors one to six and up to nine hours on the top two levels.
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West Oxfordshire District Council has purchased Marriotts Walk in Witney
The purchase forms part of our wider plans to support market towns across the district along with a long-term ambition for the new Salt Cross development to attract major new businesses to the area.
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Home rentals business StayCotswold sees soaring booking levels
The company, which is based in Stow-on-the-Wold, is experiencing record trading, with year-on-year letting income for the final quarter of 2022 doubling to £1.7m as a result of its ‘agile’ pricing strategy.
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Oxford United publishes statement and two reports in support of club’s new stadium
Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet is set to discuss whether to progress plans for the club’s move to a site at Frieze Way (the triangular parcel, south of Kidlington roundabout) at its 24 January meeting.
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New site proposed for new Oxford United Football Club stadium
Oxfordshire County Council has proposed a new site for Oxford United Football Club (OUFC) to develp its new stadium. The alternative site is located south of Kidlington roundabout, west of Banbury Road and east of Frieze Way.
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Darwin Escapes unveils plans for Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat
Launched in partnership with Blenheim Palace and nestled beside the estate’s 2,000-acre grounds, the collection of luxury holiday lodges in the heart of Oxfordshire is set to open for Summer 2023.
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Watchfinder & Co. to open boutique in Bicester Village this month
Watchfinder’s arrival in Bicester Village will provide watch lovers with immediate access to over 150 highly sought-after luxury timepieces – all meticulously inspected, authenticated and prepared.
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Broad Street project open in Oxford city centre
Residents and visitors can enjoy a new welcoming public space in Broad Street with seating and planting where people can meet with friends to socialise or take a break.
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Sustainable underwear brand Y.O.U Underwear wins Business Boost Initiative
Small business insurance provider, Simply Business, designed the competition to support businesses in the face of significant economic challenges – including rapidly rising inflation, the cost of living crisis and supply chain issues.
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Founder of Oxford-based underwear business wins sustainability award
The awards are part of the ‘Plan it with Purpose’ initiative run by small business support platform Enterprise Nation in partnership with Aviva and TSB Bank.
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Work is progressing on Oxford’s Broad Street transformation
The plans include sitting areas with planters and is being delivered as one of the County Council’s priorities to provide green spaces in busy urban areas.