It is difficult to tell where one Town Centre development ends and another begins. But at least one can tell that this first picture is of the Riverside Collection – as viewed from the other side of the Mill Stream.

This second picture shows that this large development is being undertaken by Barra t Homes ‘Britain’s premier house builder.’ Founded in 1958 in Newcastle, Barratt has built and sold around 300,000 homes. They are currently building and selling over 14,000 new homes a year all round the country.

Theire web site says
Abingdon “Now Launched!!!”

1 bedroom apartments from £201,950
2 bedroom apartments from £252,500
3 bedroom houses from £287,500

We will have to see if they go into orbit with these price tags.

These few houses have Plot numbers stuck in the window. And over the road is a notice to ask for consideration as the houses are occupied. Some roadways are still concrete with elevated drains waiting for a tarmac finish.

This large stretch of land with Waitrose in the distance has only just been begun. The former Burgess printworks, Bezier House, and 11 small business units were demolished to make way for houses.

The Town Council objected to the overdevelopment of the area and the increased traffic and the loss of town centre businesses. The district Council rejected the plans as being against the local plan. But on appeal a Planning Inspector overuled the council decision. It will be interesting to see what traffic mitigation measures were won out of the developers. The outside planning inspector said “I do not consider that the loss of a limited amount of industrial floorspace would necessarily increase private car use or affect the economic health of Abingdon.”

And here again is a view of the Riverside. This time we see the restored Victorian Pond in the Abbey Grounds with the builders flags reflected in the water.

The Riverside Barratts show on their website is the River Thames looking towards St Helens rather than this lazy backwater.