Category Archives: building work

Joint Environmental Trust – Not Quite So Joint

2 Replies

Joint Environmental Trust
Good to see the ex Hathaways shop is now in a fit state to become a shop again. Looks like Connells next door is also being refurbished.
Joint Environmental Trust
Grants from the Joint Environmental Trust (JET) can be used towards shop window improvements.

Its seems as if the Joint Environmental Trust is no longer quite so joint. It was set up as a partnership between district and town council – a way to work together to improve the town. Last year it was handed over for the town council to run. This year the leader of the district council said “We’re taking away the blanket grant to Town Council in favour of considering funding for appropriate projects on a case by case basis.“

Tesco Express and Best One soon to be neighbours

28 Replies

David v Goliath
Work has been continuing over the weekend at the building previously known as the Ox Pub , to turn it into a Tesco Express. The opening date must be imminent.
David v Goliath
Chiller cabinets can be see where there once was a bar.
David v Goliath
Best One, a family run convenience store,  two doors down, with just The Magic Wok separating their business from the new Tesco Express, will soon know the effect on their trade.

More than just a refurbishment

10 Replies

More than a revamp
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).
More than a revamp
Unit  29 will be demolished (was Abingdon Gift Centre until moved). Unit 30 will be demolished (was West End news until moved)
More than a revamp
Unit  31 will be demolished. Unit 32 will be demolished (and so YMCA will move).
More than a revamp
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).

Old Gaol Views – December 2011

6 Replies

Old Gaol Views
From this angle on Wilsham Road the Old Gaol looks much as it always has.
Old Gaol Views
From Abingdon Bridge the new accommodation, next door, is more obvious.

I have no hard news on progress but building work continues. By now restaurant groups may have been invited to tender for the three restaurants,  and some of the luxury apartments may have been sold.
Old Gaol Views
A detail of the previous picture shows a heron watching from an undisturbed spot – reflected in the water.
Old Gaol Views
The final one is from the garden of St Ethelwolds.