SHOPS that could be joining Next and Marks & Spencer at the new £40 million Kingsmere Retail Park have been named.

According to developer Consolidated Property Group, pre-lets have now been agreed with Next, M&S, Nike and PureGym.

Although it has been speculated that beauty and drug store Boots is another retailer for the site, nothing has been confirmed.

A spokesman for Boots said: “We are always looking for new opportunities, but nothing has been confirmed at this stage.”

Also read: Next and M&S set to open at new Bicester retail park

Construction of the retail park started this January and is expected to be completed later this year.

Cherwell district councillor Colin Clarke, lead member for planning, has welcomed the retail park to Bicester.

He said: “This development is another positive step for Bicester. It will provide a range of new shops and leisure opportunities and create more jobs for the area.”

Bicester Advertiser:

Meanwhile, people who live in the town have taken to the Bicester General Chat Facebook page to express their mixed views.

Kate Hanley-Ginger said: “I actually think this is a good idea. It’s a handy place to be able to get to in a car – similar to the Banbury outlet place but not as far away and the massive bonus for me is the gym.

“Absolutely perfect location for commuters using the A34 and M40.”

Darren Vidler said: “Sounds good to me. M&S and Next are positive additions as is PureGym.”

Also read: Town divide over new Bicester GP surgery set to delay opening

But other people were worried about the impact the site would have on the town’s high street.

Karen Brandon said: “Looks nice, but what about Bicester high street? So many shops have closed since I moved here – it’s practically dead now unless you want to eat or drink coffee.”

Bicester Advertiser:

Kerry Brown added: “Still not decent stores for the local people. Wish they would put money into the shops we currently have in the town centre. Local businesses are having to shut because the rent is far too high.”

Oxfordshire County Council is to give a licence to the developer next week for work to start on widening the A41 – which lies next to the retail park – to ease traffic.