£450,000 boost for local services as Marriotts Walk celebrates year of growth and success

Over the past 12 months, footfall at the centre has increased by an impressive 28.6% year-on-year, reflecting renewed consumer confidence and Marriotts Walk’s continued focus on delivering engaging, experiences for visitors.

Seasonal activity has played a key role in this success. Visitor numbers rose by 50% during the Christmas period, while the popular Giant Easter Egg Hunt drove a further 23.6% increase, attracting families from across the region.

Alongside its commercial achievements, Marriotts Walk has continued to strengthen its role at the heart of the community, supporting local initiatives including Oxfordshire Artweeks and the Witney Pride Parade.

This positive momentum is also reflected in occupancy levels, which have risen from 17 units in October 2025 to 20 units in May 2026, leaving just one remaining retail unit available.

Building on this success, West Oxfordshire District Council is now investing in a programme of public realm improvements at Marriotts Walk.

The work will enhance the look, feel and functionality of key areas across the centre, including:

• Upgraded & additional seating to improve comfort and accessibility
• Trees will enhance the visual appeal and contribute to biodiversity  
• Redesign of the wooded area at the top of the site to introduce a wider mix of native shrubs and         wildflowers which creates diverse habitats for birds, insects and pollinators
• Improved wayfinding and signage

 Planning has been carefully considered to minimise disruption to visitors and businesses.

As well as driving footfall and supporting local businesses, Marriotts Walk is delivering significant financial value for West Oxfordshire. Since its acquisition by the Council in 2023, the centre has been transformed into a strong-performing public asset, now generating more than £450,000 as a contribution to local services in 2025/26.

This income is reinvested directly into essential local services, providing vital support for residents at a time when central government funding for local authorities continues to decline. As a result, Marriotts Walk is not only strengthening Witney’s town centre but also delivering tangible benefits for local taxpayers and contributing to the long-term sustainability of services across the district.

Cllr Duncan Enright, Executive Member for Economic Development, said:

“Since West Oxfordshire District Council purchased Marriotts Walk to boost the economic vitality of Witney and West Oxfordshire as a whole, it has been delivering wider value for our communities. Every visitor, event and business opening contributes to the town centre’s success, while also supporting financially the services our residents rely on.

“The past 12 months have been incredibly positive for Marriotts Walk, thanks to the tenant companies, impressive management and our terrific council team. We’ve focused on creating experiences and spaces that give people reasons to visit, spend time in, and enjoy our rural market town community. The significant growth in footfall and occupancy demonstrates that our approach is working.

“We are now building on that success with investment into making the space nicer for people to use.

With occupancy at its highest level ever and strong demand for space, Marriotts Walk is well positioned to build on its success throughout 2026, continuing to attract new businesses, deliver memorable events and enliven the town centre at the heart of our town

ENDS