RESIDENTS of Abingdon have been asked for their views on how to improve the town’s centre.

Vale of White Horse District Council is working with Carter Jonas, an organisation that specialises in regeneration, to help identify parts of Abingdon that could be improved.

The council launched a consultation so that residents, businesses and visitors can have their say on how to make the town “a thriving place in the future.”

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The review will include three sites the council owns in the town: the Charter area and car park, Abbey House and the Upper Reaches Hotel.

According to the plans, utilitarian buildings in the Charter which currently house Abingdon Library, the Malthouse Surgery and the car park could be redeveloped to create a health hub, offices and retail premises.

The lower and upper floors of shops in Bury Street could be refurbished and some of them converted into houses.

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Abbey House could also be refurbished, creating more office space, accommodation, a hotel and a health hub.

The Grade II listed building at Upper Reaches would also be refurbished and a new recreation area would also be created, with a new pedestrian and cycle crossing on the river.

Mayor Andy Foulsham said: “It’s really important that residents and local businesses give their views and thoughts, reflecting their priorities for the town centre to help shape what Abingdon will look like in the next few years.

“It’s a big opportunity for the town and I have seen some very good ideas presented at the plans’ exhibition – I was delighted to see the area around the Charter could be redeveloped and upgraded to house a health centre, including a GP surgery and other health services.

“It’s very forward-thinking and it’s crucial that the community that uses the services tells the council exactly what it wants to see in Abingdon.

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“The council officers have put a lot of work into it so it’s important that people give their feedback.”

In addition to the redevelopment of the three sites, the council said it wants to:

  • Improve access and the public realm of the town centre
  • Reconnect the town with the river and create improved links and leisure in and around the river
  • Redevelop key sites within the centre for uses that serve residents’ needs and benefit the town as a whole  
  • Protect the town’s heritage and promote its cultural offer
  • Cut down pollution through reduced traffic and better pedestrian and cycling links

All consultation materials can be viewed on https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/central-abingdon-regeneration-framework/ before filling in a brief survey. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Friday (July 15).

 

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

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