NEW shops and late-night leisure facilities could be built behind Wantage’s Waitrose store in a bid to boost town-centre vitality.

The Vale of White Horse District Council has earmarked land off Wallingford Street for retail redevelopment — including shops and leisure facilities — over the next 17 years.

Plans for the 3.9-acre plot, which takes in parts of Market Place, a small part of Grove Street and as far back as Stirlings Road and Seesen Way, were revealed in the council’s draft Local Development Framework — its long-term plan for the district. The council’s plan also proposes a 1,500-home development — along with an eastern bypass — to the north-east of Wantage, to be built by 2026.

Council chiefs said developers must now come forward with proposals to make the vision a reality.

Town mayor Patrick O’Leary said: “Because of the serious size of this area, we can start thinking about Wantage having a cinema, a bowling alley and maybe a nightclub. This will add vibrancy to Wantage.

“It’s good to have a vision for the future.”

Tony de Vere, Vale coumcil leader, said the type of shops and leisure facilities depended on the people of Wantage coming forward with ideas.

He said: “I am convinced that over the next 20 years the shopping habits and way in which people do their shopping will have changed. We want to give as much flexibility to people who are interested in coming in to towns.

“It’s not just about supermarkets or small shops, it's about the whole offering, which is crucial for the vitality of the area.”

Julia Reynolds, chairman of Wantage Town Council environment committee, said: “The LDF has identified Wantage as needing more facilities, particularly if we are going to cope with the 1,500-home expansion.

“We are keen for people to pursue their interests in the town. Wantage needs a mixture of national and independent stores to encourage more people into the town.

“Having the cinema up and running again would be of great benefit. Wantage has the potential to be a great place to live.”

Chamber of Commerce chairman Jim Hetherington said: “If the empty retail outlets are taken up then great, but I wouldn’t want to see more empty shops.”

A Vale council spokesman said: “This is only the first stage, the next stage is putting together more detailed plans and then there is a further stage, which depends on developers coming forward with proposals to build shopping and leisure facilities.”