Shops move onto Market Place

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Paul Townsend, possibly the youngest ever president of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce, was promoting Abingdon business on Radio Oxford last week, and today had moved part of his own shop, Goffs Newsagents, onto the Market Place.

Lewis Baker were there too. The invitation had been given I believe to shops affected by the current hoardings, and extended to Bridge Street.

Round the other side of the hoardings there is now a mural showing bun throwing through the ages. Only 34 days to go until the real thing!

Throwing Buns, the business, now have an ice cream stall, and tables, on the Market Place. It is to be a regular feature during the spring and summer until the work is complete.

Shopping Centre redevelopment moves a step nearer

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Abbey Shopping Centre
In January 2010 the district council consulted on options for the Abbey Shopping Centre.
Abbey Shopping Centre
It was announced today that an agreement has been signed for a £53M redevelopment of the favoured option. According to the district council’s press release…

Proposals for the Charter area (starting around 2013) include:
* a new large supermarket
* a new decked car park of about 400 spaces
* other retail floor space
* a replacement library, day centre and medical centre potentially at first floor level.

Proposals for the Abbey Shopping Centre (starting around Jan 2012) include:
* improving the choice and range of shop unit sizes by converting and combining some of the existing units into larger stores
* creating a new unit of 4,500 sq.ft. and another one of 2,000 sq.ft, both with first floor sales areas
* creating a more attractive street area by alternating roof heights and removing the existing canopies
* repaving and replacing street furniture, lighting and signage in the shopping centre.

This comes hot on the heals of an agreement to double the size of the Orchard Centre in Didcot at a cost of £125M.  The two district councils involved (Vale of White Horse for Abingdon and South Oxfordshire for Didcot) have shared executive staff so they  must have been busy.

Radley Lakes

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Radley Lakes
In May 2009 it was announced that the campaign to save Thrupp Lake had succeeded. Since then the Northmoor Trust has taken over the site. Habitats have been protected, fences built, as has a hide, and a visitor shelter shaped like a water lily. The Save Radley Lakes group has been reconstituted as Friends on Radley Lakes to support this work and protect the area.
Radley Lakes
At the Annual general Meeting of the Friends of Radley Lakes, this evening, people seemed pleased with the work of the Northmoor Trust – recently renamed The Earth Trust. A new circular walk will be be officially opened on June 17th.
Radley Lakes
The Earth Trust are seeking planning permission to replace the cottage, Sandles, with a visitor centre.  Fund raising is needed to make that happen, and the Friends will be doing their part.