Waterstones’ Oxford branch on Broad Street is set to close this summer and relocate to new premises on Queen Street. The new store will occupy a space beside Halifax on Queen Street, which has been vacant since Topshop closed its doors in 2021.
The book store’s current site is William Baker House, a Grade II-listed five-storey building on the corner of Broad Street and Cornmarket Street. Scaffolding appeared around Waterstones in February 2025 when, according to staff, roof repairs were being conducted.
A Waterstones spokeswoman told the Oxford Mail: “We are delighted to announce the upcoming opening of an exciting and large new Waterstones shop in the heart of the city on Oxford’s Queen Street, the biggest new Waterstones shop to open for some years. Occupying the former Topshop space, in the busy shopping district near Marks & Spencer, the new shop will be situated across the basement and ground floor of the building.
“The generous, bright and easy to navigate space will allow for increased space and a larger range of books and gifts for customers to browse. The shop will also have a café, perfect for a break whilst choosing the next perfect read.”
The news has received a mixed reaction from Oxford students. One undergraduate told Cherwell: “I understand why they [Waterstones] did it [moved the location] but I like the current Waterstones: it is in an historic building, the cafe gives a high view of George Street and the hills in the distance, and it’s convenient having it on the opposite end of the road from Blackwells.”
Another student told Cherwell: “It’s a bit of a trek to Queen Street from Broad Street so I think this will make Waterstones less accessible for students on the other side of Oxford.”
Waterstones, a chain which also owns Blackwell’s and Foyles bookshop stores, has 311 outlets across the UK, and in Oxford it has occupied the site at William Baker House since 1998.
