OXFORD city council has selected the developer it will work with on transforming the centre of Blackbird Leys.

Catalyst Housing has won the contract to regenerate the heart of the estate, building new homes, shops and community facilities.

The housing association, which works across London and the South East, will take on the master-planning and development of all council-owned sites.

Councillors picked the company out of a shortlist of three at a meeting on September 18 but the details have only just been announced after legal arrangements were settled.

A large-scale redevelopment of the estate has long been on the cards but was delayed after the council paused building of more homes due to confusion over Government funding.

Designs previously released showing what the regeneration could look like have been shelved and Catalyst will start from scratch, with consulting residents a high priority.

People will be given a chance to have their say and shape the scheme before planning permission is applied for.

Community and residents groups will be established to contribute ideas and inform the project.

Previously, plans included replacing the existing community centre and shops in Blackbird Leys Road and building about 300 new homes, 50 per cent of which would be affordable.

Rod Cahill, chief executive of Catalyst, said: "Catalyst has a long history of working in Oxford.

"We already own and manage over 600 homes in Blackbird Leys and support a range of community initiatives, and are looking forward to using our regeneration skills and experience to provide new homes, shops and community facilities there.”

The council is asking residents who want to get involved to contact bblregen@oxford.gov.uk