West Way Square has quickly established itself as one of Oxford’s newest destinations, a modern, mixed-use hub that combines shops, cafés, restaurants, homes, and community spaces all in one place.
Located just two miles west of the city centre in Botley, the square is redefining how Oxford’s neighbourhoods live, shop and connect.
A New District for West Oxford
The £100 million redevelopment of West Way Square transformed the old 1960s Botley shopping precinct into a contemporary square with a hotel, library, church, apartments, and shops.
Spread around a landscaped public piazza, the development was designed to be “the new heart of West Oxford”, a walkable destination where people can live, work, and relax close to home.
Developed by the Botley Development Company (a partnership between Mace and Doric Properties), the project was completed in two phases between 2020 and 2024 and now features:
- 150 new apartments and 261 student rooms
- A 123-bed Premier Inn hotel
- A modern Baptist Church and community hall
- The new Botley Library
- Retail and dining on the ground floors
- Landscaped courtyards and a pedestrian-friendly square
Shops and Everyday Essentials
West Way Square offers a convenient selection of shops, covering groceries, healthcare and local services:
- Tesco Express – everyday essentials and groceries
- Iceland Foods – frozen and family meal staples
- The Co-operative Food – fresh produce and fairtrade options
- Lloyds Pharmacy – prescriptions and health advice
- Chancellors Estate Agents – property services for West Oxford
With over 300 parking spaces (two hours free) and cycle racks throughout the site, running errands or doing the weekly shop has never been easier.
Just next door, the Elms Parade shops add even more local favourites including a post office, fish & chip shop and newsagent.
Food, Cafés and Restaurants
The dining scene at West Way Square reflects Oxford’s global character, from casual takeaways to destination dining.
Highlights include:
- Pappo – A fine-dining restaurant and wine bar run by a former Le Manoir chef, offering seasonal British dishes and live jazz evenings.
- Fishtail Lounge & Bar – Nepalese, Indian and Thai fusion cuisine served with cocktails in a lively setting.
- Tempering – A stylish modern Indian restaurant reinventing classic curries with street-food flair.
- AryZay Peri Peri – Fast, fresh and flavourful peri-peri chicken and burgers — a local favourite for quick bites.
- Santino’s Italian – Family-friendly pizza and pasta just off the main square.
- Missing Bean Café – Independent Oxford roastery serving speciality coffee, homemade cakes and brunch.
For a relaxed pint or family meal, Seacourt Bridge Inn, a traditional pub sits at the edge of the development.
Whether it’s a latte, a curry or a cocktail, West Way Square’s food and drink options are making Botley a real viable dining destination.
Community, Leisure and Lifestyle
At its core, West Way Square was built to serve the local community. Its facilities blend learning, fitness and social life in one connected area.
- Botley Library – a bright new public library with computers, reading areas and community events.
- Seacourt Hall – the local community centre, hosting everything from playgroups to yoga, art classes, and public meetings.
- Botley Baptist Church – a new worship space and community hub.
- The Project PT Gym – a boutique fitness studio offering classes, personal training and youth fitness.
- Premier Inn Hotel – 123 rooms with an on-site restaurant and bar, perfect for visitors to Oxford.
Every Saturday, a farmers’ market transforms the piazza into a bustling social hub filled with local produce, crafts and conversation. Seasonal events like Christmas fairs and summer music add to the sense of community.
Living at West Way Square
The development includes a mix of student accommodation and private apartments:
- 261 student studios and flats – modern rooms with study spaces, a gym, and roof terrace.
- 150 new apartments – one- to three-bedroom homes built to high energy standards, ideal for professionals and families.
Residents enjoy having cafés, supermarkets and the library on their doorstep, while landscaped courtyards and safe pedestrian areas make it feel more like a small town square than an urban complex.
Getting There
📍 Address: West Way Square, Botley, Oxford OX2 9TJ
- By Bus: Regular services (4, 4A, S1, S2) to Oxford city centre in 10–15 minutes.
- By Car: Direct access from the A34 via the Botley Interchange; parking is free for the first two hours.
- By Train: Oxford Station is one mile away (20 minutes’ walk or 5-minute bus).
- By Bike: Cycle lanes connect directly to Oxford; plenty of secure racks on site.
- On Foot: Located at the heart of Botley, easily reached from local residential streets.
The entire site is fully accessible, with step-free entrances, lifts, tactile paving, and Blue Badge parking.
West Way Square vs Other Oxford Centres
West Way Square is Oxford’s local alternative to the Westgate Centre, smaller, more personal, and community-driven.
While Westgate boasts luxury brands and a rooftop terrace, West Way Square focuses on everyday essentials, independent cafés and accessible living.
Compared to Summertown’s long-established high street, West Way offers a modern plaza layout with housing and amenities built-in, Oxford’s west-side equivalent to a 15-minute neighbourhood.
Sustainability and Design
Designed by Mountford Pigott Architects, West Way Square was built to modern sustainability standards, featuring solar panels, green roofs, efficient insulation, and mixed-use design to reduce car dependency.
It also aligns with Oxford’s goal of creating self-contained communities where people can live, work and shop without needing to travel far.
At a Glance: West Way Square, Oxford
| Category | Highlights |
| Shops | Tesco, Co-op, Iceland, Lloyds Pharmacy, Chancellors |
| Restaurants | Pappo, Tempering, Fishtail Lounge, Missing Bean Café |
| Leisure | Seacourt Hall, Botley Library, Project PT Gym |
| Accommodation | 150 flats + 261 student rooms + 123-bed hotel |
| Parking | 300+ spaces (2 hours free), EV charging, cycle racks |
| Transport | 10 mins to Oxford city centre via bus or bike |
| Community | Weekly market, events, library, church, inclusive design |
West Way Square has succeeded in giving Botley (and West Oxford) a true sense of place.
It’s a new town square for a modern suburb: where students study, families shop, and neighbours meet for coffee under the café canopies.
With its mix of community, convenience and character, it’s a shining example of how urban regeneration can create real life between the buildings.
