Leading Nottingham-based architects Marchini Curran Associates (MCa) have helped make the retail offer in Oxford bigger and brighter with the completion of a major revamp of Clarendon Shopping Centre.
The innovative city centre scheme involved the demolition of an existing ground floor store previously occupied by Currys Digital to make way for a stunning, large format, three-storey outlet for premier fashion chain H&M and other retail units.
The project included an extension at ground floor level together with the overhaul of previously redundant retail space on the upper floors of the centre – resulting in a ten per cent increase in size for the mall.
In addition, there has been upgrading of existing mall areas, a reconfiguration of the office entrance and a number of improvements to the public realm around Shoe Lane. The central space of the existing scheme has been transformed into an impressive new atrium, clad in perforated metal panels and backlit, which provides views to the upper floors of the development.
An array of photovoltaic panels has also been integrated into the north-facing roof lights in order to generate electricity and deliver natural light to the top floor.
The project, inside what was known to be an Archaeological Priority Zone as defined by Oxford’s Local Plan, proved particularly fascinating for MCa because of the amazing history uncovered during the construction phase.
Before building work could proceed, archaeologists were called in to assess the site and unearthed many centuries of history below ground level – revealing stone walls, foundations and cess pits thought to belong to a building dating back to the 17th century.
Members of the public were able to view the excavations, while many of the artifacts uncovered were on display during the excavation period.
MCa hope the completion of the shopping centre will prove a major draw for shoppers.
Nick Marchini from MCa said: “We are very pleased to have been associated with the Clarendon Centre for several years because the centre represents prime retail space in the centre of Oxford. As such, this has been an exciting and important piece of work for us.
“The introduction of new large format retail units to the scheme and the regeneration of the mall’s atrium have given it a new lease of life, making it a much lighter, brighter and attractive place to shop.
“We are confident that these changes will reinforce the mall’s position as a key retail destination within Oxford and we look forward to seeing the new-look centre bustling with shoppers.”
