Oxford City Council’s summer vacancy survey, completed June 2025, found that fewer than 3% of units in the city centre are currently vacant and available to let.
By comparison, national data from Green Street, referenced in Savills’ report Spotlight: Shopping centre and high street – Q2 2025, states vacancy rates are around 13.6% for high streets and 16.9% for shopping centres, although reporting methods may vary.
The Council’s methodology and final figure reflect only units that are empty and actively being marketed to let. It does not include units that are under offer, awaiting occupation, or closed temporarily for refurbishment or redevelopment. This approach provides a more accurate picture of space that is genuinely available to new tenants.
The Council conducts this survey twice a year, covering retail and commercial premises in the High Street, Westgate Centre, Gloucester Green and The Covered Market.
Covered Market vacancy
Oxford’s Covered Market is almost fully let, with 61 out of 63 available units currently occupied.
The two remaining units are not being marketed, as they are set aside for future works under the market’s wider redevelopment plan.
City Centre Action Plan
Oxford City Council’s approach to managing the city centre is guided by the City Centre Action Plan, adopted in 2022.
The plan aims to build long-term resilience by supporting a diverse mix of retail, leisure, social and cultural uses. This includes work to attract and retain a broad range of businesses and adapt spaces in response to changing consumer behaviour.
As part of this work, the Council has also collaborated with landlords, agents and community groups to activate vacant shopfronts. These temporary displays help to maintain a vibrant streetscape while promoting the work of local organisations.
Major regeneration projects are also progressing at key Council-owned sites, including Oxford Town Hall and 38–40 George Street, and plans are progressing for an almost £8 million pound redevelopment of The Covered Market.
Changing high streets
The survey also reflects a continued shift in how city centre space is being used.
There is now a larger number of units used for food and drink, leisure, and research or office activity, rather than traditional retail. This trend mirrors national patterns in how people shop, work and spend time in city centres.
A 2025 report from Centre for Cities, Checking out: The varying performance of high streets across the country, found that the most successful high streets are those that have diversified their offer to include cafés, restaurants, flexible workspaces and cultural venues.
Comment
“Oxford city centre has a very low level of genuine vacancies. What might look like empty space is often a sign of change — redevelopment, new uses and businesses preparing to move in.
“That level of activity shows the strong demand to be part of our city centre, which remains a thriving and adaptable destination.
“By backing local businesses and re-energising underused buildings, we’re making sure Oxford’s economy continues to grow and stay resilient.”
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Culture
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