The much-vaunted planned revamp of the Westgate Centre may not have been roundly welcomed by everyone in Oxford.

Green campaigners certainly have concerns about potential for changes to the cityscape and the environment.

But from a business perspective the development is essential for the vitality of the area's economy.

So, we agree with city council leader Bob Price, who is calling for developers to come up with a fresh timetable for the £330m scheme.

He, and many other business leaders in the city, want an end to uncertainty shrouding the project.

In July, the Westgate Partnership stunned traders when it announced the project was under review.

Capital Shopping Centres, the Westgate Partnership's parent company, originally planned to start work in January, with new retailers, including flagship store John Lewis, ready to open by 2012.

But the economic downturn has meant it is on hold, and a revised timetable is yet to be announced.

Mr Price has called on the developers to make their intentions clear by Christmas.

That is an entirely reasonable demand and timescale for such an important face-lift in the city. The firm insists it is fully committed to Westgate in long-term.

We will be watching closely.