Abingdon

Abingdon is the largest town in the Vale of White Horse District, located on the A34 (the main route from Southampton to the Midlands) and only six miles south of Oxford.  The health and vitality of market towns has been a corporate priority for the Council since 2009.

The Choose Abingdon Partnership

In 2009, the three tiers of government in Abingdon (County Council, Vale Council and Abingdon Town Council) joined forces with the Chamber of Commerce to create the Choose Abingdon Partnership (CHaP).  This innovative approach to town partnership working builds on Abingdon’s existing strengths and history to support and improve the economic, social and cultural vitality of the town for all its businesses, residents and visitors.   CHaP has the following aims: 
  • Envision, plan and act as a catalyst for positive change. 
  • Bring together and coordinate those activities of various organisations and businesses concerned with the town’s future.
  • Influence and engage with the visions, strategic plan and actions of various local authorities and other external projects. 
  • Communicate the aspirations of the town. 
  • Initiate and implement its own projects.
Current projects being taken forward by the Partnership include: the Choose Abingdon loyalty card scheme, new town maps, Abingdon waterways walk (which aims to promote closer links between the river and the town), a new book - "52 things to do ... far from the madding beaches", walking and cycling leaflets, establishment of a Local Excellence market, Events gazebos for use by businesses and the community, and significant effort in marketing the town to residents and to residents in neighbouring towns. For more information on the Choose Abingdon Partnership please see http://www.chooseabingdon.co.uk
 
Abingdon's Physical Regeneration Projects - the Charter and Abbey Shopping Centre
 
Abingdon is set for some major changes after the Vale entered into two agreements for lease
with Scottish Widows Investment Partnership to redevelop the Charter area and refurbish Abbey Shopping Centre.
 
In January 2010 the Vale sought public views on redevelopment proposals as part of our Core Strategy public consultation, including: 
  • A new large supermarket and improved choice and range of other shops.
  • A replacement library, medical centre and car parking.
  • A significant upgrade to the appearance of the centre.
Planning permission has now been obtained and work on Abbey Shopping Centre has already started with work on the Charter set for 2013. 
  • For information about Abbey Shopping Centre go to Abbey Shopping. 
  • To view a video fly-through of the proposed refurbishment work which will be carried out in Abbey Shopping Centre in 2012 click on the video screen below  
  • For more information about both projects see Abbey Shopping Centre and Charter proposals.

The Old Gaol, Abingdon
The Old Gaol, a Grade 2 listed building built in 1811, is undergoing a contemporary transformation into a vibrant residential and commercial property development, by local developer Cranbourne Holdings.  For up to date information about the new Old Gaol development in Abingdon please see www.theoldgaol.com.

For further information about Abingdon please visit Abingdon Town Council's website This link will take you to an external website... This link will take you to an external website...  or contact the Abingdon Information Centre on 01235 522711.

Last reviewed: 10 - 04 - 2012

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