A 250-seat theatre, cinema, 10-pin bowling alley, youth facilities, shops, homes and a restaurant are among ideas for redeveloping Abingdon's Old Gaol.

The bid from Reading-based property management company Brook Henderson Estates is one of eight received from companies keen to exploit the potential of a revamped Old Gaol.

For reasons of "commercial confidentiality" site owner the Vale of White Horse District Council has not released the names of the eight bidders, but Brook Henderson has broken ranks.

If its bid is successful, the company says it would protect and refurbish the listed building. It would create a multi-purpose performance facility capable of being used as a 250-seat theatre and cinema.

As well as a bowling alley, there would be a leisure area incorporating fitness facilities, indoor sports, meeting rooms and a district youth hub.

The buildings fronting Bridge Street, including the old police station, would be turned into shops and a restaurant. About 18 new homes would be created.

And a footbridge would be built over the Thames, linking the site with existing car parks. There would be public access to the riverside.

Managing director Robert Whiting said: "We have consulted with local people and recognise the importance of this site to the people of Abingdon.

"We have listened to the needs of local residents and believe that our proposals go a long way to meeting those needs. If selected we intend to provide a development of the highest quality that will respect the historic context of the Old Gaol and its beautiful setting."

A special group made up of six councillors is to be formed to advise the council. It will sift through the applications and draw up a shortlist for a meeting on July 13 when financial details of the bids will be revealed. A second stage will determine the winner.

The group campaigning for public access to a redeveloped Old Gaol - Community in the Old Gaol (Cog) - has collected more than 2,500 signatures on a petition calling on the council not to sell the freehold of the site. Chairman Glynne Butt said: "We have been very encouraged by the strong support we have received from the public, societies and businesses.

"This affirms Cog's mandate to speak on behalf of the people of Abingdon and to represent their views about the future of the Old Gaol."

Four people - Peter and Vania Burgess and Chris and Jodie Ashworth - who live in Turn Again Lane in the shadow of the Old Gaol - have formed a residents' association. Mr Ashworth said: "We think a redeveloped Old Gaol will be of great benefit to the town but what concerns us is the way it might be developed by the new owners.

"We are worried about the impact there might be from more bars and a pub that can lead to late night and early morning problems from which we suffer already."