The theme for the May 1st City Daily Photo is Squares. Last month was triangles.

A few weeks ago the demolition of the Mayott House – old people’s home – began. Different components were sorted and I got a picture of roof tiles stacked in square sided containers.

Beyond the square end of the hoardings, some rubble still remains from the concrete foundations, but the square plot of land is mostly cleared.

New independent living quarters for elderly people will emerge on the site. The building contractor has just been selected from among the tenderers.

The Old Gaol redevelopment is moving on and the former Police Station is now looking very smart.

Scaffolding has now moved to what was once the Tourist Information Centre / Music Centre. The pictured buildings will become apartments – with some community space for The Abingdon Bridge in the former Police Station, and a restaurant / cafe quarter downstairs in the The Old Gaol, and what was Tourist Information.

Matthew let me know that there are plans to build 8 flats for emergency housing with associated parking at the old Harcourt Way Tree Nursery. (The plans can be viewed at P14/V0710/FUL ).

The trees (seen to the left of this picture) have had time to get more firmly established , and seeded more trees, since the last time plans were put forward in 2009. That was for 14 flats for emergency housing. On that occasion there was a lot of opposition to the loss of what was considered a nature reserve alongside the Stert not far from Boxhill Walk.

The Vale of White Horse are about to sell Old Abbey House, now that arrangements for Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council, and Citizens Advice are finalised.

Their advert says that it has Residential potential subject to achieving the necessary consents, and will be vacant by June 2014.

Unconditional or conditional offers are invited by noon 16/04/14.