Sainsbury is to revamp a shopping mall it owns as part of the redevelopment of Bicester town centre.

The supermarket chain bought the Crown Walk mall, which runs between Market Square and Sheep Street, for more than £13m earlier this year.

It will be the first rethink on the appearance of the mall since it opened in 1988.

Sainsbury is calling a meeting of tenants early in September to unveil its proposals.

John Mills, a consultant for the company, said: "It is too early to say exactly what we will be doing. We shall be telling the tenants of Crown Walk when we meet them."

One tenant, Bill Shepard, of Cole's book and music store, said: "Anything to improve the mall to make it a better place for people to shop is to be welcomed."

David Simpson, chairman of Bicester and District Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed Sainsbury's plans.

He added: "Crown Walk is long overdue for rejuvenation.

"Plans by the previous owners to improve its appearance never materialised.

"It is encouraging Sainsbury's want to be involved in the development of the town, and the company has become a member of the chamber."

Sainsbury's is also interested in operating the food store in the large-scale redevelopment of the town centre over three adjoining car parks owned by Cherwell District Council.

Cherwell is to choose a partner developer for the site, which will also have shops, other facilities and possibly a multiplex.