We welcome news that a deal has been signed that could see a £330m revamp of the Westgate Centre, Oxford, start as early as 2014.

At a time when few major schemes are being approved it is a sign of the optimism that the developers have in the future of the site.

While some continue to argue that the city does not need the new centre, it is beyond doubt that the shopping offer in Oxford has slipped well behind other nearby regional centres.

The target opening date for the revitalised Westgate Centre is 2017. It cannot come a day too soon.