We are encouraged by our report on the Westgate redevelopment this week. We all understand that the recession has delayed Oxford’s much-anticipated new shopping centre, but it is now clear that serious thought is being given to how the scheme can be resurrected.

The addition of a supermarket is clearly intended to raise the revenue-generating possibilities at the Westgate. Combined with some reduction in the amount of construction — and therefore the cost of the development — we hope that will make the scheme sufficiently viable to enable a start soon.

Major town centre redevelopment has turned out to be the theme of the week. In Bicester, the developers and the district council have announced that work will start early next year on the redevelopment of the town centre.

The scheme, including a Sainsbury and a multiplex cinema, should be finished by Christmas 2011.

Meanwhile, in Abingdon, the Vale of White Horse District Council has published its vision for the town centre. The scheme would include a new supermarket, partial redevelopment of the Bury Street shopping precinct and a new home for the town’s library.

It demonstrates that it is still possible, in spite of these difficult economic times, to make progress on the major new developments most of us want to see.

Not only that, the opening a few weeks ago of the Marriotts Walk centre in Witney shows that it is possible to bring major developments to fruition and for them to have a big and positive impact on the life of a town.

Oxford, Abingdon and Bicester are all a step closer to enjoying the same.