Westgate Oxford Announces New Centre Director Clare Martin, Oxford 2026

Key Points

• Clare Martin has been appointed as the new Centre Director of Westgate Oxford shopping centre
• Martin previously served as acting centre director and joined Westgate’s leadership team in 2018
• She succeeds Brendan Hattam, who moved on after an impressive 25-year tenure at the centre
• Martin’s key goal includes bringing world-class brands to Oxford and Westgate
• Hattam transitioned to another role within the organization after leading Westgate Oxford since its opening
• Westgate Oxford opened in 2017 as the UK’s largest new shopping centre development
• The shopping centre features a John Lewis department store, Curzon cinema, and rooftop dining
• Martin stated this is her chance to steer the centre into its next phase
• The appointment was announced on 03 June 2026
• Martin held various positions including deputy to the previous director before this promotion

Oxford(Oxford Daily) June 04, 2026 – Oxford’s Westgate shopping centre has announced the appointment of Clare Martin as its new centre director, marking a significant leadership transition at one of the UK’s major retail destinations. As reported by Sue Thomas of The Oxford Magazine, Westgate Oxford has officially appointed Clare Martin as its new Centre Director, having been part of the centre’s leadership team since 2018.

Who Is Clare Martin and What Is Her Background at Westgate Oxford?

Clare Martin has taken over the position of centre director from Brendan Hattam, who has moved on in the business after 25 years, according to Yahoo News UK. Having joined Westgate in 2018, Mrs Martin has held various positions, including serving as deputy to the previous director. Her internal promotion represents continuity in leadership while bringing fresh perspective to the role.

As reported by Yahoo News UK, Martin stated: “This is my chance to steer it into the next phase, which definitely involves bringing world-class brands to both Oxford and Westgate, along with achieving ambitious goals,” she added.

Why Is Brendan Hattam Leaving After 25 Years?

Brendan Hattam has transitioned to another role within the organization after a remarkable 25-year tenure, as reported by Yahoo News UK. According to Oxford Brookes University‘s profile, Hattam works for Landsec PLC, the UK’s largest property company, and served as Centre Director of Westgate shopping centre in Oxford. The profile notes that Brendan has spent over 30 years working in the retail and shopping centre management industry for a range of multiple retail, department store and shopping centre companies.

Westgate Oxford is the UK’s largest new shopping centre development and opened in 2017 after many years in planning, according to Hattam’s Oxford Brookes profile. Hattam led the centre through its opening and subsequent years of operation, establishing it as a major retail destination.

What Are Martin’s Plans for World-Class Brands at Westgate Oxford?

Oxford Westgate is set to introduce premier brands to the city center, according to its new director, as the popular shopping destination embarks on a fresh chapter, as reported by Yahoo News UK. Martin’s emphasis on attracting world-class brands represents a strategic focus for the centre’s future development.

The shopping centre already features significant retail anchors. As reported by Fashion United, leading fashion retailers set to open stores in Westgate Oxford included H&M owned retailers Cos and & Other Stories, US retailers Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as UK-based department store John Lewis and Ted Baker. In total, 24 international and national fashion retailers signed up to open in Westgate at its launch.

How Does This Leadership Change Affect Westgate Oxford’s Existing Offerings?

Westgate Oxford acts as a hub that brings local people and tourists together, according to Experience Oxfordshire’s description of the centre under Hattam’s leadership. The centre features a 140,000 square foot John Lewis department store, a boutique Curzon cinema, a rooftop dining experience and local bookseller Blackwells.

As reported by The Oxford Magazine, Martin’s appointment maintains leadership continuity since she has been part of the centre’s leadership team since 2018. During her tenure as acting centre director, Martin previously commented on the centre’s unique features, stating: “Our roof terrace is a unique part of the Westgate Oxford experience,” according to Retail Destination.

What Recent Developments Have Occurred at Westgate Oxford Under Current Leadership?

Westgate Oxford continues to attract new brands and expand its offerings. The Beefy Boys officially opened their brand-new Oxford restaurant at Westgate Oxford in October 2025 following a VIP launch event, as reported by Your Herefordshire. Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, commented at that time: “We’re delighted to have officially welcomed The Beefy Boys to Westgate Oxford following a fantastic launch event. The atmosphere was electric, the turnaround turnout was incredible, and the burgers certainly lived up to their award-winning reputation”.

The LEGO Group has confirmed plans for a new UK store set to open in the Westgate shopping centre in Oxford in 2026, which will be home to the largest range of Lego products including exclusive licensed sets. Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, added at that announcement: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of the region’s first Lego store. The arrival of such a globally recognised brand underscores Westgate Oxford’s commitment to offering the best retail lineup possible”.

What Community Activities Has Westgate Oxford Been Offering?

Westgate Oxford has announced programmes of free family activities for the community. As reported by Oxfordshire Guardian, Westgate Oxford announced a programme of free family activities for February half term, including an Alice in Wonderland-themed treasure trail, daily crafts, and story and rhyme sessions in Leiden Square. The centre also maintains a partnership with Westgate Library for story and rhyme sessions, demonstrating ongoing community engagement efforts.

Background of This Leadership Development

Westgate Oxford opened on 24 October 2017 as the UK’s largest new shopping centre development after many years in planning. The centre was developed by Landsec PLC, the UK’s largest property company, with Hattam serving as Centre Director from its opening. The development featured 800,000 square feet of retail space with pre-let occupancy reaching 70 percent before opening, including fashion retailers such as Mint Velvet, Ted Baker, and Calvin Klein.

The centre’s original vision included creating “the new retail and leisure destination set to attract world-class retailers and leisure facilities to the world-renowned and historic city of Oxford,” according to Cherwell’s 2015 coverage of the redevelopment. At opening, visitors could expect “a first-class line-up of retail, food and leisure brands that will further cement Oxford as one of the most attractive cities in the country to spend time in,” as stated in the 2017 opening announcement.

Clare Martin joined the centre’s leadership team in 2018, one year after the centre opened, and progressed through various positions including deputy to the centre director before her appointment as Centre Director. This internal promotion represents a succession plan that maintains institutional knowledge while bringing fresh leadership to the role.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Oxford Shoppers and Local Businesses

Clare Martin’s appointment as Centre Director will likely impact Oxford shoppers and local businesses in several measurable ways. Martin’s stated goal of bringing world-class brands to Oxford and Westgate suggests shoppers can expect new retail offerings that may not currently be available in the city centre. This could attract additional visitors from outside Oxford, potentially increasing footfall for existing retailers while creating more competition for local businesses.

For Oxford shoppers, the emphasis on world-class brands may mean access to premium retail options that were previously unavailable locally, potentially reducing the need to travel to London for high-end shopping experiences. However, this could also mean price points that may not accommodate all budget ranges.

Local businesses near Westgate Oxford may experience both opportunities and challenges. Increased footfall from new brand attractions could benefit surrounding businesses through spillover traffic, while new tenants within the centre could create competition for independent retailers outside the shopping centre. The centre’s continued investment in community activities like the free half-term programmes suggests ongoing commitment to maintaining Westgate as a community hub beyond pure retail.

The leadership transition occurring after Hattam’s 25-year tenure represents a generational shift in retail management approach. Martin’s internal experience since 2018 combined with her stated ambition for the centre’s next phase suggests continuity in operational excellence while potentially introducing new strategies for attracting premium brands. This balanced approach may help Westgate Oxford maintain its position as Oxford’s premier retail destination while adapting to evolving consumer preferences in the post-pandemic retail landscape.