An Australian theme bar and nightclub for 900 revellers could be built in the centre of Oxford.

How the Walkabout bar could look

The city's pub and nightclub capacity will increase by 10 per cent if Regent Inns is allowed to build its proposed Walkabout bar in George Street.

The bar would be one of the city centre's largest nightspots, and second only in size to the 1,200-capacity Park End nightclub in nearby Park End Street.

The pub chain, which owns Jongleurs comedy club and Bar Risa in nearby Hythe Bridge Street, has submitted an application for a provisional 2am licence.

It is likely the bar would contain its trademark Surfers nightclub and offer live music, sports coverage and "authentic" Australian drinks and food.

Residents living nearby said they were mortified by the plans and called for them to be blocked.

Sue Tyrol, 45, who lives near Hythe Bridge Street, said: "This is the first I've heard of the plans and I'm mortified."

It is not known how much space the Walkabout would take, but it would replace the Opium Den Chinese restaurant, on the corner of George Street and Worcester Street, which is closing later this year.

There are also several redundant buildings next door in George Street.

Company spokesman Kirsty Black said it would bid to buy "several buildings" if the application was approved.

Oxford City Council's public entertainment licensing committee will discuss the plans on Tuesday, March 30.

City council spokesman David Penney said letters about Regent Inns' application had been sent to all residents within 100m of the site and public consultation was closed.