Templars Square

Hidden in plain sight, Templars Square whispers tales of transformation. Templars Square isn’t just a shopping centre. It’s a phoenix, risen from the ashes of a controversial past. Originally known as Cowley Centre, this 1960s development sparked heated debate. Homes were demolished. Roads were rerouted. Beloved local shops made way for office blocks. Yet, amidst the upheaval, a “tremendous achievement of civic planning and enterprise” emerged, as declared by Richard Crossman at its 1965 opening. Templars Square, in its early days, drew shoppers from far and wide, exceeding expectations. Surprisingly, it didn’t stifle Oxford’s city centre trade. Instead, the two shopping hubs coexisted, complementing each other. But the early Cowley Centre had its flaws. Shoppers often complained about the drafty conditions, exposed to the elements. This led to a major transformation in the 1980s. The British Land Company acquired the centre and initiated a significant redevelopment. A roof enclosed much of the space, a lift improved accessibility, and new shops expanded the retail offerings. In 1989, the reinvented centre was reborn as Templars Square. Even today, Templars Square continues to evolve. New River’s 2012 purchase brought further redevelopment plans. These plans included homes, restaurants, a hotel, and more shops. While the 2017 planning permission hasn’t yet materialized, the future holds exciting prospects for Templars Square. This shopping centre stands as a testament to Cowley’s resilience. It’s a symbol of adaptation, a place that has continuously redefined itself over the decades.