PLANS for an upmarket new shopping area in Oxford city centre are being unveiled today.

The multi-million-pound scheme will see the regeneration of a large eyesore site that lies behind St Aldate's and Queen Street.

The shopping arcade, which would open in 2011, would run from St Aldate's Tavern to the back of the Marks & Spencer store.

The developer promises a range of small shops, with a pedestrian route and archway linking the new shopping area to Queen Street.

With plans going on show this weekend, the developer says the scheme will be designed to complement the nearby Westgate Centre, which is being enlarged and revamped in a £330m redevelopment. In addition to creating 12 new shops, the scheme also includes new offices and student accommodation for up to 100 undergraduates.

The city council's St Aldate's Chambers building will be demolished on St Aldate's, along with three shops on Queen Street, next to the Abbey Building.

The backs of the Bradford & Bingley offices and of the Blacks sports clothing store will also be demolished. One of the new retail units is expected to adjoin the back of the Marks & Spencer store.

The plans are being put forward by the Carlyle Group, which specialises in city centre regeneration.

A spokesman said: "This will be a smaller, more individual shopping area and it will complement, rather than compete with outlets in the new Westgate complex. With well-known national retailers likely to take up some units, smaller shops should be of an individual boutique variety."

The spokesman added: "Before we submit a planning application, we wish to share our ideas with local residents and businesses so there can be public consultation on the future of an important site at the heart of Oxford."

The developer will present the regeneration project as a key contribution to the wider scheme to regenerate the West End of Oxford.

Ed Turner, deputy leader of Oxford City Council, said: "This is an exciting scheme that will improve the city centre both visually and as a shopping experience."

The news will give city traders a boost as it emerged that the Westgate redevelopment faces more delays. Already put back until 2012, the Westgate Partnership said last week that both the financing and the timetable are having to be reviewed.

It is understood that large parts of the site, including the run-down St Aldate's Chambers, are owned by Merton College.

The scheme is smaller than the plan originally considered 18 months ago, which included an access route to Pembroke Street.

A public exhibition is being held at The New Road Baptist Church, Bonn Square, on Saturday (11am-2.30pm) and on Thursday (11am-7.30pm).