Sir - I would like to disagree with Chris Brewer (Letters, December 28) and Ann Spokes Symonds (Letters, January 4). The city council should be commended for their vision and tenacity in seeking to make Bonn Square a place everyone can enjoy. This is not the case at the moment. The new design, the result of an international competition, is on a par in terms of quality with what has been achieved so brilliantly at the castle site.

In the recent past it seems as if functionality and low cost were the only consideration in making decisions about development in the city centre. This led to some buildings and streetscape not worthy of a city with an astonishing heritage of outstanding buildings and spaces.

Now, with the forthcoming Westgate and the West End developments (of which Bonn Square is a part), there is a recognition that quality in urban design is not only desirable in its own right, but is also a major contributor to sustainability.

I think we will be proud of the new Bonn Square. It will be a place to meet and relax. It will reflect Oxford's contemporary cultural life too, with free musical and other artistic activities throughout the year.

Andrew Nairne, Director, Modern Art Oxford