Old Gaol redevelopment under way (From Oxford Mail)

Old Gaol redevelopment under way

9:30am Thursday 26th August 2010 in

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WORK on an Abingdon landmark is getting under way after the Vale of White Horse District Council gave the developers the freehold.

The news comes as it emerged that developers Cranbourne Homes paid £2milion for the Old Gaol site – as part of a project to build 61 flats, four restaurants, and an underground car park for 60 cars.

As part of the deal, the council will receive further payments during the course of the development from the sale of flats.

Cranbourne will also be required to provide several affordable homes – which will be split between the Old Ambulance site in Thornhill Walk, which is now complete, and, subject to planning permission, at Harcourt Way.

District council spokesman Gavin Walton said: “The aim is to finish building the affordable homes before work has been completed on the main Old Gaol site. It is hoped that the site will be fully complete by autumn 2014.”

Council leader Tony de Vere said: “As an Abingdon resident myself I know how much the Old Gaol means to everyone in the town.

“Over the coming weeks we will begin to see the transformation of this historic site into an area which will play a major role in the town’s future by attracting businesses and creating a substantial amount of jobs.”