Council supports £100,000 loan for Abingdon Abbey Buildings Enhancement project
Published 14 January 2026
There is great news for heritage in Abingdon this month. The Vale of White Horse District Council has agreed to lend £100,000 to the Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust to support the Abingdon Abbey Buildings Enhancement Project.
The Abbey Buildings have been part of Abingdon’s history for generations, saved from demolition by residents in 1944 and enjoyed by the local community ever since.
However, due to their historical importance, age and history, they are now in need of urgent repairs and upgrading if they are to remain publicly accessible and generate the income required for their continued care.
Once the repairs are complete, the Abbey Buildings will become a fully accessible space for community activities, local events, new opportunities for volunteering, skill building and learning.
This project will strengthen the local community, improve wellbeing and offer more cultural opportunities for everyone.
It also aims to build stronger connections with local cultural groups and community organisations.
The Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust have worked with over 20 local groups to develop a plan that includes programs for young people, older residents and hard to reach groups.
The loan provides up to £100,000 with a repayment term of five years.
Cllr Mark Coleman, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust have done a great job of fundraising for the necessary work, but the extra £100,000 we’ve provided through a loan agreement was essential to getting the project past the finish line.
“The Abbey Buildings are a central part of Abingdon’s history, and this work will ensure they remain a place where everyone can come together for local events and activities.
This project will also make culture and green spaces more accessible to everyone, and by improving these areas, it will attract more visitors to Abingdon, supporting local businesses and boosting the town’s economy.”
Gregory Bensberg MBE, Chair of the Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust, said: “We are very grateful for this loan from the Vale, it will enable us along with the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and substantial contributions from other funders to start work on the enhancement project in 2026. We hope to be able to reopen the updated Buildings in the Summer of 2027 and look forward to welcoming back Abingdon’s cultural and community groups to these beautiful and historic buildings.”
Cllr Helen Pighills, ward member for Abingdon Abbey Northcourt at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “I’m really pleased that the Vale is able to help fund the restoration of the Abingdon Abbey Buildings, ensuring the preservation of a key piece of our local history that the community will be able to enjoy for many years to come.”
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