Developers of Oxford's Westgate shopping centre today revealed plans to build a major new department store -- possibly a John Lewis -- creating 400 jobs.

Capital Shopping Centres, which runs Westgate, has drawn up £220m plans to double its size.

As reported in yesterday's Oxford Mail, the plans are the subject of a public inquiry beginning on November 20.

If the project receives approval, it will create thousands of jobs in the construction industry and 600 new retail jobs at 33 new shops.

In addition, there will be 400 posts at a department store, which could be run by John Lewis, "or a company of a similar calibre". This store will front Thames Street, opposite the Oxpens area which is being considered as a location for a new railway station.

Centre managers said the new 140,000sq ft store would complement Allders, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer.

Jane Brand, senior development manager for Capital Shopping Centres, said: "There is definitely room for a fourth big name in a city the size of Oxford.

"We are currently in talks with two major operators who are both very keen to take up this excellent opportunity."

CSC communications manager Margaret Harwood said: "A department store of this size would need about 400 staff, and that figure can be added to the initial estimate of 600 retail posts that are being created for the whole centre. "There are currently 1,100 people working at the Westgate Centre, so the workforce would double in size."

Last year, Oxford City Council approved outline plans by CSC to double the size of the centre.

But there were concerns from the Oxford Preservation Trust that the development, which will also include a new bus interchange, would be too large. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott called in the application for a public inquiry.

The new design of the centre, which could be open by 2006, will be examined by members of the planning committee on October 10, before being referred to the public inquiry.

Members of traders group Rox (Rescue Oxford), which has been opposed to the Oxford Transport Strategy, plan to speak at the public inquiry because they are concerned that there could be a lack of parking facilities as a result of the plans. Rox spokesman Graham Jones said: "There is a strong rumour that John Lewis is being lined up for this new department store, which would obviously be good news for Oxford.

"But if you are bringing new shops in, and more business, you should expect more people to come into the city and it appears there could be less parking after the development than there is at the moment."

The new department store, which will include a restaurant, will overlook Thames Street on the open-air part of the Westgate car park.

The multi-storey car park itself is being demolished to make way for new shopping units and flats, while an underground car park will be constructed in the basement.

Mrs Harwood added: "We are trying to ensure there will be the same number of parking spaces after work is completed."