Work starts on £36m redevelopment in Cornmarket Street

Temporary yellow fencing was put up around site on the corner of Cornmarket and Market Street ahead of its impending demolition to make way for the £36m scheme.

The cordon will enable the construction of more permanent hoarding in a contained and safe environment, according to Oxford City Council.

The regeneration is set to see a large chuck of the city centre shopping street transformed into new shops and student accommodation.

Despite today marking the official commencement of works, there was not much activity to be seen on the street as contractors prepare the site to be torn down.

The long yellow fencing can be seen along Cornmarket and Market Street, while a single white van was parked outside.

During the demolition and construction lorries will be allowed to use Cornmarket but not between 10am and 7pm.

Between 5am and 10am they can use the street to make deliveries, and after 7pm by agreement, driving in at Carfax and leaving via the George Street end.

Speaking on Friday, retail expert Keith Slater, told The Mail: "The biggest disruption could come in the evening if people are walking up and down the street and lorries are using it.

"If there is lots of rubble to cart away it would go in the evening.

"Traders will just have to get used to it - a bit like when the WestgateCentre was being built."

The new three-storey Northgate House, which will include a new gatehouse into the college facing onto Market Street and a new quad, will combine academic research and teaching facilities, student accommodation and new shops.

The scheme is expected to be completed by 2021, to coincide with the college's 450th anniversary