OXFORD is set to be one of the country’s best cities for economic growth next year, according to new research.

The city has been ranked eighth for having the best prospects for economic growth in the UK Vitality Index by commercial property consultancy, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH).

It has bumped up eight spaces since last year’s index, rising from number 16 to number eight, beating Edinburgh and York in the top 10.

Oxford also came at number three for the most highly educated city – drawing level with Cambridge – and number nine, tied with Cardiff and Glasgow, for the fastest growing city in the UK.

It is also number 10, tied with Warwick, for the most affluent city in the country.

Cities were scored out of 200 taking in different official figures for the year, including average house prices, population statistics and business density.

Head of LSH’s Oxford’s office David Gilbert said: “Oxford is an internationally renowned city and an established centre for research and development, high performance engineering, biotechnology and other knowledge and science-based industries.

“As a significant retail centre, Oxford has performed well, and the highlight in the future will be the redevelopment of the Westgate Shopping Centre .

“Oxford’s future is bright.”

 

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