A planning application has been submitted for the former Stan James betting shop to become a restaurant. The premises has been empty since May 2016. The proposal includes a first floor roof terrace at the rear, and so the issue of noise and disturbance to residential neighbours nearby is one consideration. Another consideration is the change of use. Before becoming a betting shop in 1998 it was retail.

Work is beginning on the Oxford Abingdon Hotel near Tesco, in what the hotel website describes as a ‘refurbishment‘. They say on their blog ‘The full make-over will be finalised by Autumn 2018.‘

Hoarding are being put up to allow work to begin on the new wing.

The hotel will then be re-branded as a Hilton Garden Inn.

The existing hotel accomodation (slightly dwarfed in this picture by the new wing) will continue to operate during that time. The hotel website says… ‘The hotel’s reception and breakfast area will both be relocated and we will be offering all guests complimentary continental breakfast. Evening meals will not be available; we can, however, recommend local eateries.’

A couple of people emailed me back in March of this year to say that both Outdoor Traders and Dapper Street would be closing. That prediction has now come to pass.

In July of this year The Vale of White Horse District Council launched “ the Independent Shops Project which will see key partners working with the council to develop initiatives to support independent businesses in the town centre.”

“The scheme will develop a target list of the types of businesses which would complement the independent offering in the town centre. The district council will then work with landlords and agents to identify and overcome issues which may prevent businesses from moving into the town’s empty shops, particularly those in Bath Street, Stert Street and the High Street.”

Iain Nicholson, a town centre specialist who has worked wonders in Wantage, has been brought in to manage the project and is looking for a suitable empty premises for pop-up shops. Iain set up Choose Abingdon almost a decade ago so knows the town well.

Abingdon Beds has moved from their old chapel shop in Spring road

to a new showroom along Marcham Road, next to Majestic Wines. The new premises was previously Honda Abingdon Motorbikes – before that business moved to Nuffield Way.

The new showroom will allow Gareth and Ashley Alsworth, the owners of Abingdon Beds, to greatly increase the number of beds and other furniture they can display, and make parking for customers easier.

Good Luck to them!