The legal papers have all been signed. The Old Gaol's big secret is out. The details of the chosen developer, and three other contenders are on the
Vale Web Site. 18 comments were added within the hour on the Abingdon Herald web site - a record. Most said 'Not
more housing.'
The winning developer is Abingdon based
Cranbourne Homes. You may have already seen their signs at the ex Ambulance Station and the ex Crossroads Garage. They have now added to their portfolio the ex Police Station and Old Gaol. Their offices are to be found in the courtyard behind the Brewery Tap in Ock Street.
Cranbourne Homes also own, and will be developing the adjoining Twickenham House at the same time as the Old Gaol complex to provide 61 homes in total. There will also be 14 units of affordable housing at Harcourt Way. A certain percent needs to be affordable in any development, and it appears that the rules allow them to be split across two locations.
Homes are the main business of Cranbourne Homes. But at the old Gaol there will also be:
- Five to six restaurants and shops
- Relocation of the Abingdon Bridge youth drop in centre to part of the Old Police Station on site
- Access to the riverside garden through the ground floor of the Old Gaol, and side access from East St Helen Street.
So it could have been worse. It could have been all hotel and housing with a small area for local people to show their handicraft. It looks like the best one of the four schemes was chosen. But read the
Wikipedia entry about Abingdon "
For a town of its size, Abingdon is somewhat bereft of leisure facilities. The Regal Cinema closed in the 1980...etc etc..."This is another chance gone.