A decision on the redesign of Frideswide Square, a key part of the redevelopment of the area around the Oxford rail station, could be taken next week.

The preferred option is a new ‘city centre boulevard’ to replace the collection of traffic light-controlled junctions that litter the site, which at present is unwelcoming, confusing and an unfriendly gateway, especially for newcomers to the city.

The £3.7m plan will create large public open spaces on three sides of the square with bus stops in the centre and three roundabouts — a large one outside the rail station and two smaller roundabouts at the other end of the square.

Cyclists, as we have reported in the past, have voiced concerns over the design, but council officers said that looking after cyclists would be a main provision of the scheme.

Officers also recognise that the redevelopment is in a high-profile location and they simply cannot afford to get it wrong.