STEPS have been taken to secure a larger community hall as part of the redevelopment of Botley’s West Way shopping area.

North Hinksey Parish Council agreed on Thursday to commission a business plan for a larger hall.

It currently uses Seacourt Hall in Chapel Way, which it leases from Vale of White Horse District Council.

It was revealed this month that the council had signed an agreement with Doric Properties and a consortium to purchase the land.

This will see the hall and surrounding buildings – including Botley Library – redeveloped for a shopping centre.

This would include a new library, community centre, supermarket and multi-screen cinema.

Chairman Alan Pritchard said: “Doric Properties have indicated that they accept the need for a replacement community hall but we need to make the case for a larger community hall for the increasing number of people who will be living in the parish.”

Doric has indicated it wants to include the shops in Elms Parade in the redevelopment. However, the family which owns the parade has said it is unwilling to sell.

Parish council clerk Alan Stone said Doric “gave an assurance that anybody who had a shop at the moment would be give the opportunity to relocate to the new site”.

The firm hopes to open in 2015 to 2016 if it gets planning permission.