Landsec, owner of one of the UK’s leading retail destination portfolios, has released its annual social and economic impact report revealing how Westgate Oxford is helping to drive local growth, contributing £83,400,885 to the local economy and supporting 1,527 jobs in 2025.*
As one of Oxfordshire’s leading retail and leisure destinations, Westgate Oxford plays an important role in people’s everyday lives that extends far beyond shopping. By supporting business growth, creating jobs and pathways into employment and providing a place where communities come together, the destination creates lasting value for local people, businesses, and neighbourhoods.
In 2025, Westgate Oxford supported 1,527 jobs across Landsec, its retail partners, and businesses operating at the destination. It also helped 110 people move closer to employment through initiatives such as employability partnerships, which provide valuable hands-on industry experience, and work placements.
The research also found that Westgate Oxford delivered £1,334,082.88 in social value in 2025 through investment in local communities and employment initiatives, including bursaries, community grants, volunteering and partnerships. These initiatives help create lasting value beyond economic contribution by supporting community wellbeing, strengthening local partnerships and fostering a sense of pride in the local community.
Alongside its economic and social contribution, Westgate Oxford continues to invest in a more sustainable future. In 2025, the destination reduced its energy intensity by 24%, reflecting Landsec’s commitment to creating places that deliver lasting value for local communities and the environment.
Sustainability goals also shaped the centre’s community initiatives during the year with the ‘Made in Oxford’ enterprise challenge inviting students from four local schools to explore creative placemaking and environmental sustainability to reimagine their local retail space, while commitment to the environment was supported by on-site initiatives, keeping the centre ahead of UK environmental legislation by increasing recycling rates and empowering guests to reduce single-use plastic consumption through the ‘Refill Me’ scheme.
Alongside these local programmes, Westgate Oxford maintained strong commercial momentum through 2025, strengthening its retail offering and driving visitor numbers with the arrival of new brands including the region’s first Sephora and much-loved burger restaurant The Beefy Boys, alongside upsized stores and investment from Goldsmiths, Superdrug, and Oliver Bonas. Retailer confidence in the centre and the city remains strong through 2026 with the recent arrivals of both LEGO and David Clulow, and global fashion brand Bershka set to open its first Oxfordshire store at the shopping centre later this year, offering even more choice for guests.
Clare Martin, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said: “Retail destinations are part of the fabric of the communities they serve. They help local businesses grow, create employment opportunities and provide places where people can come together, connect and spend time.
“The findings published today demonstrate the important contribution Westgate Oxford continues to make to Oxford. By investing in the destination, supporting employment, working with community partners and operating more sustainably, we’re helping businesses and communities thrive. In turn, that attracts further investment, supports long-term growth and creates lasting value for the local area.”
