PLANS to redevelop part of Cornmarket Street to ‘reinvigorate’ the city centre and Covered Market could be approved tonight after the scheme’s tower was reduced in height.

Jesus College wants to redevelop Northgate House, on the corner of Market Street, and split it up into smaller units to create a ‘market quarter’.

Following concerns from Oxford Preservation Trust and St Michael of the North Gate church, the height of the Market Street ‘gatehouse’ tower was reduced to 21.3m - still higher than the city limit.

Oxford City Council planners have recommended the scheme be approved by the council's west area planning committee tonight.

But independent bookshop Arcadia, in St Michael’s Street - owned by Michael and Andrea Keirs - objected and said it missed a golden opportunity to put right the ‘historic architectural abuse’ that happened in the 60s.

They said: “Having shown the design to visitors to the shop, many are shocked and saddened about the design.

“There is no excuse for bland, brutal architecture in the city centre.”

They added: “It is functional and would look fine in a business park, but this is Oxford, a city of culture, beauty, and learning, and this ugly building, bland and formulaic will date very quickly.

“It is astonishing that the parties that are tasked with protecting the integrity of our city have given this Cornmarket development their blessing.”

St Michael at The North Gate Church withdrew its objection - that the development would dominate views from its tower to the south - on seeing the revised plans.

Churchwarden, Bob Earl, said: “The revised design of the tower and lower roof line of the upper part of the building is a great improvement on the original proposal.

“The view that will be seen from the top of St Michael’s tower is of a modern building that sits well amongst the historic towers and spires of Oxford.”

Oxford Civic Society president, Sir Clive Booth, also backed the project and said: “This is a bold proposal to replace Northgate House and create a new quad for Jesus College.

“It would provide the college with more residential, meeting, 16 teaching and social facilities.

“It would additionally reinvigorate the retail facilities facing Cornmarket and Market Streets.”

Even before the changes he said the tower was of ‘modest height’ and the overall development provide a would provide a more visually interesting streetscape as well as more street activity.

Historic England agreed that the proposals would be a much-needed improvement.

A decision will be made by city councillors at Town Hall from 6pm.