As revealed on this site last week, Slough Estates pulled out just days after making it to the last three.

Taylor Woodrow and Simons Developments will now be added, and the deadlines extended until November 19. The move could mean we will not know who has won the contract until after Christmas.

The 250,000 sq ft centre will feature a new department store, dozens of new shops, and a multi-storey car park, plus flats. The council is also keen for a new footbridge over the canal where the Waterside Centre is.

The idea of another covered shopping centre for Newbury emerged in the early 1980s, but has floundered time and again. This time, the council received interest from 45 developers, translating into 14 firm bids.

The other two in the race are ING Real Estate, and Standard Life Shearer Property, and councillors are expected to sanction the newcomers on Thursday.