Changes on the high street in Oxford are happening almost every week as traders, including major chains, struggle to cope with challenging trading conditions.

Department store Debenhams has just announced it has gone into administration, closing about 50 stores over the next two years.

Oxford Mail:

If the Oxford branch in Magdalen Street is one of them it will leave a massive hole in the high street and place additional pressure on Cornmarket, already experiencing a reduction in footfall after the opening of the Westgate Centre.

READ AGAIN: Can Debenhams in Oxford survive

Shoppers in Cornmarket have been noticing the dark green barriers which have been erected around Northgate House shops, a £36m renovation scheme by Jesus College.

Oxford Mail:

A spokeswoman for the college said: "The information panels have not yet been installed but they will be worth the wait, we have some really nice and unique designs which tell a story - the hoardings will add some real visual interest to the city centre."

Oxford Mail:

Lorries have been given permission to use Cornmarket for deliveries early in the morning and in the evening but major demolition work has not yet started.

Oxford Mail:

The arrival of the new hoardings is thought to be an indication that demolition work could soon be about to start.

READ AGAIN: Lorries in Cornmarket for £36m Jesus College scheme

While Northgate House is getting a revamp, eventually bringing new shops, other parts of Cornmarket are struggling.

The former Moss Bros store remains empty and luxury skin care shop L'Occitane has just announced it is relocating to the Westgate Centre.

READ AGAIN: L'Occitane to leave Cornmarket for the Westgate Centre

Around the corner in George Street body care store Crabtree & Evelyn has shut.

Oxford Mail:

In Ship Street, off Cornmarket the former Russell & Bromley shoe shop remains closed.

Oxford Mail:

But it has been announced that the old Heroes cafe in the same street is to be turned into a noodles bar.

READ AGAIN: 'Forgotten' street in Oxford city centre needs a boost

Changes are also coming in George Street, where the Grapes pub is about to reopen following refurbishment. 

READ MORE: Oxford's George Street - lots of changes afoot

And new American-style diner Glut, at the other end of George Street, could open this month.

Oxford Mail:

The new Harry Potter store Shop of Secrets in Broad Street turned the street into Oxford's very own 'Diagon Alley' as Flaggs and Watsons of Oxford also sell Harry Potter merchandise.

READ MORE: Butterbeer flows at new Harry Potter shop

In Gloucester Green, where a new market is now taking place on a Friday, the former Combibos coffee shop and former El Mexicana restaurant have new tenants and new businesses are about to open.

Oxford Mail:

Homeless people who have been taking shelter in the doorways are being asked to move on.

READ MORE: Friday market is launched at Gloucester Green

So far a decision has been taken not to force the rough sleepers to leave.