TOWN leaders have vowed to press ahead with regenerating Abingdon Guildhall despite rejecting all the bids to run it at a private meeting last night.

The 15th century original Guildhall has already been restored, but speculation has surrounded the future of its 1966 modern extension after proposals to create a cinema and arts hub were revealed in 2013.

Press and public were excluded from Wednesday's discussions, but it emerged today all the tenders were rejected as councillors felt proposals did not include enough investment in the building.

There were also concerns the bids on the table would limit access for the community.
Councillor Dennis Garrett said the town council was not going back to the drawing board by rejecting the bidders.

He vowed to press ahead with plans to install a cinema and regenerate the building using council cash.

Mr Garrett added: "We have very much advanced the drawing board."

While the council ruled out a loan to fund the improvements, it has around £1.2m to invest and has asked architects to draw up and cost fresh plans to regenerate the building.

Mr Garrett hoped the new plans - which include a cinema projector and screen in the Abbey Hall, new street-level doors and improved boilers and toilets - would help the hall generate more cash for the council than it did currently.

He said: "With a much improved facility we would expect the income we are receiving to be substantially greater.

"Clearly we don't want to spend what money we have left and have a building that is not used anymore than before."

The Guildhall has been run by Abingdon Town Council since 2011 when it was bought from the Vale of the White Horse District Council.

Originally £3.4m plans were put forward to revamp the building, but the town council failed to secure Lottery grants to expand its £1.2m budget.

Guildhall committee vice chairman Mike Badcock stressed it was vital to keep the hall as a community asset and not run for private gain.

He added: "Having reviewed the tenders the proposed plans were not compatible with widespread community use or the financial interests of the people of Abingdon.

"The Abbey Hall belongs to the people of Abingdon and should predominately provide a service to them."