Plans to revitalise Jericho, in Oxford, are a step closer to becoming reality.

British Waterways owns a site fronting the Oxford Canal and has consulted residents to find out how best to develop it.

BW has looked at four schemes and will unveil its plans early next month.

The company, which runs 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in Britain, wants the development to include a restaurant, houses, boat-hire operator and public open space.

Nearly two years ago, the Jericho Canalside Development Group - comprising Jericho Community Association, St Barnabas' Church and local businesses - made a £1m bid for an acre of land between the church, in Barnabas Street, and the canal.

The move towards providing more community use of land is being supported by Oxford City, and Oxfordshire County Councils and Oxford University. They are particularly keen to see the plans include a purpose-built community centre to replace the existing one in Canal Street.

Other features could include a cycle route from north Oxford to the railway station, a restaurant and boatyard - all set in a new public square around St Barnabas Church.

Planning applications for the scheme will be made to city planners early next year.

Spokesman Simon Ainley said: "Our planned development will bring a new vibrancy to historic Jericho.

"We will be sensitive to the historic character of Jericho and aim to retain some appropriate canal-related businesses."