Large Office Block in Abingdon converted to Flats

Flat Conversion
The large office block, previously known as Mansard House, and more recently as Publishing House, has been converted into one and two bedroom flats.

‘To Let’ signs have now appeared at the windows as the work nears completion.
Flat Conversion
Round the back, the two fire-escapes have been enclosed to create entrances, and the windows have had balconies added. They look out towards the Charter multi-story car park – not very far away.
Flat Conversion
There is a long stretch of grass alongside the multi-story, with some bare trees.
Flat Conversion
There is no reason for anybody to go down that stretch of grass. It ends at a wall where a local comedian has painted an exit.

16 thoughts on “Large Office Block in Abingdon converted to Flats

  1. Daniel

    Wouldn’t this have all been part of the “phase II” charter development? Of course it is unlikely to happen at all….and even less so now that there’s some flats within a few feet if the site. It seems (again) an opportunity missed.

    Still, more flats. Great!

    Reply
  2. Mary

    I think it’s good that the building is finally going to be used, and especially for much needed accommodation. Does anyone know who the people are who seem to drive cars inside the multi-storey car park at night, revving engines at high volume? Living right next to that noise won’t be much fun.

    Reply
  3. Lyle Lanley

    If they can plan building 800 houses running right up to the A34, then a bit of demolition work next to some flats is no big deal.

    Maybe this is going to be some of the social housing that we are owed from the Gaol redevelopment.

    Reply
  4. Daniel

    I think, what I meant, was…. They should have bulldozed the lot, to make as decent a space as possible for the central shopping/entertainment/arts hub that Abingdon needs. Now…next to some flats, we’ll have “something’n’nothing”… which of course, we’ll all be expected to be grateful for.

    Reply
  5. Captainkaos2

    Peter, good question and one several people raised when the project was first announced, another example of how money and might overrules planning regulations ! What’s more they’re not alone, above Weatherspoons they made the space into ten flats, not one gas a car space?

    Reply
  6. Steve

    How did they get planning permission for that without any attempt to make the exterior of the building more in keeping with the town centre. Shocking.

    Reply
  7. Captainkaos2

    Hey Steve, I agree it’s not in keeping with the town centre but sadly it is in total keeping with the other boring brick monstrosities that makeup the end of the vineyard and the entrance to waitrose! Built almost directly onto the road leaving incredibly narrow paving, no green spaces or seating, what an entrance to the countries oldest town!? Dreadful!

    Reply
  8. Flamingo Lane

    Changes to the law brought in a few years ago allow for offices to be converted to residential use without the need for planning permission.

    Reply
  9. Blanky

    That must be the ugliest building in Abingdon. A view of the multi storey car park from their windows eh …. well it’s better than seeing that block from the multi storey car park.

    Reply
  10. Adam

    I seem to remember that people living there weren’t allowed cars… and really. Surely the bt exchange round the corner is worse

    Reply
  11. Captainkaos2

    For sure some golden opportunities to improve our infrastructure and environment have been missed, building the row of social houses so close to the road around the corner of Abbey Close/vineyard was one, ditto the building this thread refers to is another, that whole area is a poorly developed miserable looking place not helped by the “temporary” railings over the river stert culvert, Hopefully there will be another opportunity soon to raise our profile etc when the charter comes up for development? Imagine if they pulled the Knowel down and created an entrance into a new multi story and also created a new bus terminus ? No
    More buses in high St ? A proper taxi rank? Wishful thinking eh ?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.