Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Frequently asked questions about the Old Gaol

Why not more community or cultural space like a theatre or cinema?

In 2004 the Council commissioned a report about the possibility of using the Old Gaol for community purposes like a theatre, cinema, library and museum. The conclusion was that it was unaffordable – requiring £20million to develop the scheme and around £500,000 year subsidy. The report also concluded that grant funding would not be available and it was unlikely a commercial cinema operator would be interested in Abingdon. Such a use is just not viable. Cranbourne’s scheme does include good community access and space for the Abingdon Bridge youth support scheme. There is also the possibility of open air concerts and events in the summer.

Why isn’t there a cinema in Abingdon/Old Gaol?

In 2004 the Council commissioned a report about the possibility of using the Old Gaol for community purposes like a theatre, cinema, library and museum. The conclusion was that it was unaffordable – requiring £20million to develop the scheme and around £500,000 year subsidy. The report also concluded that grant funding would not be available and it was unlikely a commercial cinema operator would be interested in Abingdon, due to the proximity of cinemas at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford and in Didcot.

Ten years ago the Council did try to allocate land near Tesco’s in Abingdon for a multiplex cinema, before the Kassam Stadium or Didcot cinemas were even planned. Unfortunately this was turned down by the Secretary of State, mainly on the grounds of traffic generation. The Council has also worked hard to attract commercial operators to take over both the Regal Cinema in Abingdon before it closed down, and the Regent Cinema in Wantage, in both cases an operator couldn’t be found.

Why Cranbourne?

Quite simply because they had the best scheme. They had done their homework and worked with planners and English Heritage to make sure their plans were appropriate. Their scheme also had the most to offer in terms of public access, affordable housing, “green” construction and road access.

When does work start and when will it be complete?

Work could start before the end of the year but depends on the planning process. Once started it is expected to take about two to three years until it is complete.

What restaurants and shops?

These have not been confirmed.

Why homes and not hotels?

There were four bids, two centred on hotel use and two on residential. The Council had no strong feelings either way, but Cranbourne’s scheme was the best overall.

What style of design will it be?

The Old Gaol will preserve its features and the additional housing will be in a modern style including sustainable energy features like “green” roofs, solar panels and grey water recycling .

Why has the Council been so secretive?

We needed to be sure we secured the best deal for the Vale and we believe this is what we have achieved. No other commercial property deal would be conducted in public.

How will this raise Abingdon’s profile?

We hope the introduction of shops and cafes in such a beautiful riverside setting will attract people. The river has a high volume of tourists in the summer and a development like this should draw them into the town. This is like a new start for Abingdon, and combined with the refurbishment of the Bury Street area should improve the town centre and give it a new life.

Will the Old Gaol features be preserved?

Cranbourne has worked closely with planners and English Heritage to draw up the plans to ensure that what is being proposed is in keeping with the surroundings. Cranbourne has shown a very responsible attitude towards the building’s Grade II status which is one of the reasons why they have been chosen.

How will you mark the history of the Old Gaol?

It is hoped it will be marked in some way in the restaurant area. Cranbourne has invested in historical research into the site and hopes to incorporate this into the public areas.

Will this be anotherOxfordCastle?

Oxford is a city with a different style and requirement. The Old Gaol project will be as stylish and exciting.

How will we be kept informed of progress?

Both the Council website and Cranbourne’s website will be regularly updated. We will also get the press involved at relevant stages.