As tipped by the Enquirer last month, the contractor will now start work on the ambitious retail expansion project this Spring.

The £440m development in the heart of Oxford city centre will transform the existing Westgate shopping centre into an 800,000 sq ft retail and leisure destination, due for completion in autumn 2017.

Laing O’Rourke’s 30 month contract is focused on the construction of the shell and core of the three-storey retail centre, together with a 1,000 space underground car park and 61 new residential properties.

The project, which will sustain 1,000 construction jobs, will also involve extensive remodeling of the existing Westgate shopping centre.

Preparatory works at Westgate began in February following approval by Oxford City Council and leasing commitments from leading national and international retailers.

The project will extend over four main blocks split by a central covered walkway

The new Westgate Oxford will include over 100 new stores, 25 restaurants and cafes, a boutique cinema, roof top terrace dining and a wealth of new public spaces.

Steve Coleby, Leader for Laing O’Rourke UK construction business, said: “As the latest major retail development in the UK, Westgate Oxford is an encouragingly strong indicator of economic recovery and returned consumer confidence in the UK.”