THE foundations have been laid for the Westgate lantern that will light up Oxford's skyline.

Our photographer, Jon Lewis, has papped the early stages of the lantern that will sit on top of the £440m redeveloped Westgate Shopping Centre.

When finished it will be a four-metre high stainless steel lantern, featuring 78 glass panes in nine different shades and lights up at night.

Designed over the last two years by Swiss artist Daniela Schönbächler, in collaboration with Dixon Jones Architects, planners BDP and art consultants Modus Operandi, the proposed lantern has been inspired by a window at All Souls’ College.

Councillor Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, said it had been designed sensitively with both local history and landmarks in mind and added: “We are looking forward to sharing the artist’s approach and design proposals with local residents.”

The shopping centre is due to be completed in autumn 2017