Work has begun on the redevelopment of the former Saxton Arms pub. The development will see the former pub turned into 6 apartments. A previous plan to turn the former public house into a convenience store didn’t work out. I think the plan was withdrawn after people said they did not want another convenience store.
Interesting article on reviving a High Street. Some of the specifics don’t apply, but the attitude does:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/mar/29/high-street-closed-betting-shops-york-back-from-dead
Yes I just read that. One of the main themes was that 21st century High Streets are more about socialising and getting services which you can’t get online – with a sprinkling of independent shops. That is also what Mary Portas said a few years ago and is probably true, but a lot of people in Abingdon are looking for quite a different model.
I like the idea of a town centre street party though!
I agree, a heartening article. It shows that having hope it’s well worth it. I do fear though that Abingdon’s problem is the decision makers, not the end users. Not the traders.
Does a cafe get to put is takes on the street, encourage a trade, get established. Or does the council slap a charge on each table before a a coffee has even been sold?
There are umpteen reasons why businesses fail, I reckon if you asked them there’d be a common reason(s). And I’d further bet that those reasons are the remit of the (various) councils.