The picture from about 1980 shows what was the Thames View light industrial park, with the Abbey Grounds behind.

Most of that area has already been redeveloped but some of the industrial units were kept going for a while – as it is was thought good to try to keep employment centres near the town centre.

The last units were demolished last year, and earth movers have been back this year reducing the pile of rubble. Plans are probably on the way for what will happen to this land.  But as yet nothing has come into the public domain as far as I am aware. Thames View is probably the last substantial area of land near to the town centre that could be built upon.

The biggest change to the Abbey shopping centre happening this year will be the demolition of 5 units and the erection of 2 larger two-storey shops in their place. The new shops will stretch back to the road and be as deep as the Co-op (ex Somerfields). Looking at the picture above the dark Dream Doors van will be inside one of the new shops. (I had not quite taken that in until today talking to NC).

Unit  29 will be demolished (was Abingdon Gift Centre until moved). Unit 30 will be demolished (was West End news until moved)

Unit  31 will be demolished. Unit 32 will be demolished (and so YMCA will move).

Unit 33 will be demolished (currently a temporary let to Calendar Club but was once Stead and Simpson). Unit 34 will stay and be refurbished (vacated by The Lemon Plaice anyway).