A design company has offered a computer enhanced glimpse of the bright future that could be awaiting the city's historic heartland.

Lighting specialists were asked by the former Lord Mayor Maureen Christian to present their vision of Oxford, and created floodlit images of Martyr's Memorial and the Clarendon Building.

Equation Lighting Design believe that introducing architectural lighting to a few key buildings could transform the whole atmosphere of the city centre, making it feel safer and more attractive.

The Clarendon Building in Broad Street and the University Church of Mary the Virgin in the High Street, are two of the historic buildings whose appearances would be enhanced by architectural lighting.

Other buildings which the report says could serve as impressive "city markers at night" include the Martyrs' Memorial, Carfax Tower, Brasenose College, Lincoln College Library, Hertford Bridge, Balliol, Trinity Tower, St John's College and Oxford Town Hall.

But it is not only the city's more famous buildings that could benefit.

One of the images already attracting glowing praise was the large modern facade above the Clarendon Centre in Cornmarket Street.

Mrs Christian, who persuaded many university colleges to contribute towards the cost of the report, said she had been encouraged by the enthusiastic response at two presentations to conservationists and members of the university.