Hundreds give their view on future of central Abingdon

Hundreds of people have given their views on the future of central Abingdon and there is still time for others to do so.

Vale of White Horse District Council is carrying out a review of the market town centre to identify realistic options for improving buildings, land and transport routes to help make it a thriving place in the future.

As part of its review, the district council is working with Carter Jonas – an organisation with expertise in regeneration – to engage directly with community groups and local business to help identify challenges and areas for improvement in the town, and then more widely with the public.

The council held two in-person consultation events in the former H Samuel store in Bury St on 17 and 18 June.

More than 350 attended over the two days and gave valuable feedback on their thoughts about central Abingdon and our current proposals.

Councillor Andrew Crawford, Cabinet Member for Corporate Assets at the Vale, said: “It was great to see so many people engaging with us and telling us their thoughts on what Abingdon town centre should look like in the future.

“For those who missed out, you can still see the consultation materials in the window of the unit until Friday 15 July and learn about the options for key sites in the town, including the Upper Reaches, The Charter car park and Abbey House.

“The materials are also available online on the Vale of White Horse District Council website and I’d encourage everyone to give their views via the online survey.”

Anyone unable to access the online materials and survey can call 01235 422425.

The consultation responses will help in producing the Central Abingdon Regeneration Framework (CARF), which will identify what future improvements are needed in the town, for when an investment or development opportunity presents itself, and to direct future decisions to support the vision for central Abingdon. The new CARF document will also help the council deliver on objectives set out in its Climate Action Plan by encouraging cycling, walking or using public transport to get to, from and around the town centre.