Templars Square, Cowley: Oxford’s Original Shopping Centre Guide

Templars Square is Oxford’s oldest indoor shopping centre and a familiar landmark in the heart of Cowley. Opened in 1965 as the Cowley Centre and renamed Templars Square in 1989, it has served generations of shoppers, from local factory workers to families and students.

Today, the centre remains a convenient and community-minded destination, offering a mix of shops, cafés, and services for everyday needs. Nearly 60 years later, it continues to adapt, balancing its retro charm with modern shops and services, while a major redevelopment plan promises to reshape the site for future generations.

A Local Landmark With Deep Roots

Built to serve Cowley’s car industry workforce, Templars Square became Oxford’s first enclosed shopping mall and a hub for Blackbird Leys, Littlemore and East Oxford.

“You bump into someone you know every time you visit,” says long-time shopper Sheila, who remembers buying school shoes there in the 1970s.

Despite competition from newer destinations like Westgate Oxford, Templars Square remains a community cornerstone, practical, friendly and easy to navigate.

Shops & Retail Highlights

Templars Square offers a balanced mix of high-street essentials, fashion favourites, local independents and useful services, all under one roof. There is occasional pop-up shops to look out for too.

(For a searchable, regularly updated directory, see the full store list below.)

Essentials & Everyday Services

Iceland, Poundland, Card Factory, EE, Timpson, Post Office, Specsavers, Vision Express, and Superdrug.

Fashion & Accessories

Peacocks and F.Hinds show the noticeable decline in selection.

Food & Drink

There is a decent selection of fast food, cafes and independents like Olivia’s Greek Food, Comie’s Caribbean Butchers, BB’s Coffee & Muffins, and Cagneys Café.

Opening Hours

(Individual store hours may vary.)

Getting There

• Address: 129 Pound Way, Cowley, Oxford OX4 3XH
• Telephone: 01865 748864

By Car:
Located just off Between Towns Road, with 400+ parking spaces available.

By Bus:
Frequent services (1, 5, 10, U5) connect Templars Square to Oxford city centre every 10–15 minutes.

By Train:
The nearest station is Oxford (2.5 miles). From there, take Bus 5 to Cowley.

By Bike:
Cycle racks are located along Between Towns Road.

On Foot:
Right in the heart of Cowley’s high street — easily accessible from nearby residential areas.

Facilities and Amenities

Templars Square is designed with community convenience in mind.

• ATMs: Located near Costa.
• Toilets: Public facilities inside the main mall.
• Accessibility: Step-free entrances and lifts throughout.
• Changing Places toilet: For visitors with additional needs.
• WiFi: Free across the centre.

Templars Square Shops

Correct as of 06/10/25. Please see official website for updated information.

Community Spirit and Events

Despite it’s declining status, Templars Square has always been more than a place to shop. Seasonal events such as Christmas light switch-ons, Easter activities, and charity fundraisers continue to draw local families.

Local schools, churches and community groups regularly partner with the centre to host performances and public events.

Why Visit Templars Square

• Oxford’s oldest indoor shopping centre with nearly six decades of history.
• Affordable shops and cafés with local charm.
• Central to Cowley and easily accessible by bus or car.
• Ongoing regeneration will bring new homes, a hotel, and modern facilities.
• A community space that remains true to its roots while looking to the future.

At a Glance

Templars Square may not have the glass-and-steel sparkle of Oxford’s Westgate, but it has something rarer; history, warmth, and a real sense of place. It’s where Cowley shops, meets, and grows together.

If and when the redevelopment happens, Oxford’s oldest shopping centre could get a much needed new lease of life, and Cowley’s community will be at its heart.