TRANSFORMING Boswells into a luxury hotel could mean people staying longer in Oxford and spending more cash in the city. That is the claim from a city councillor, as another sneak peek has been revealed of developer the Reef Group s plans to transform the former department store into a four-star boutique hotel. Artists impressions of the hotel, provisionally called The Store, have previously been showcased, showing bright modern interiors inspired by the art deco era Boswells building on 1-5 Broad Street. Reef has also spoken about how it wants to offer 101 rooms in the hotel, but design sketches have now been made public, showcasing the layout of the Store.
North Parade will initially be closed for 18-months and if it goes well could be made permanent. Most of the pedestrianisation projects have been funded using the Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund or the City Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy.
Cllr Mary Clarkson in the Covered Market . Picture Richard Cave 12.10.18. Councillor Mary Clarkson (pictured), the cabinet member for City Centre, Covered Market and Culture, said: “Businesses and residents in North Parade approached us to pedestrianise the street to provide space for outdoor dining, and I am delighted that we have been able to make it happen. “With coronavirus restricting the number of tables allowed inside, that these outdoor dining spaces are invaluable for cafes, restaurants and bars across the city. We know that at least four businesses would not have opened following the summer lockdown without the City Council pedestrianising the road outside their business.”