The Castle Quay Waterfront development in Banbury is set to expand its family offerings and dining scene in 2026 as part of an ongoing 65 million pound regeneration project. This transformation of the area from a traditional retail space into a canalside destination continues to evolve with the arrival of new entertainment and food options.
A major addition scheduled for the summer of 2026 is FunParx, a 50,000 square foot indoor family adventure park. The facility is expected to create 50 new jobs in the town and will include features such as ninja courses, inflatable zones, slides, soft play areas, and arcade games. The venue joins the existing Waterfront attractions, which include The Light cinema complex, a Premier Inn hotel, and various dining establishments such as Nando’s, PizzaExpress, and the Pinto Lounge.
Dining options at the centre will also see a new update with the launch of the Lock29 Guest Kitchen Programme in May 2026. This initiative invites street food traders and emerging chefs to take over kitchen spaces for 12-week residencies, providing a rotating selection of food for visitors. The Waterfront area has already reached full capacity for its primary restaurant units, a milestone marked by the arrival of the Pinto Lounge in August 2024.
The wider development, delivered by the Cherwell District Council, encompasses 506,000 square feet and includes a Lidl superstore and a 438-space, two-level car park. The council has also moved its own headquarters to the site, and work is underway to relocate the Banbury Library to a larger, more accessible space within the centre. These improvements align with the long-term Banbury Vision 2050 programme, which aims to revitalise the town centre following feedback from residents who identified a desire for more vibrant and fun community spaces.
The centre saw significant activity in 2025, attracting over two million visitors. This consumer interest is supported by the recent commitment from major national retailers, including Boots, Waterstones, Superdrug, The Entertainer, F Hinds, TG Jones, and Clarks, all of which have recently renewed their presence at the centre.
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