The Central Abingdon Regeneration Framework (CARF) has been published to guide future town centre development. It includes options for redeveloping three sites owned by the Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC): The Charter, Abbey House and The Upper Reaches.

It is called a framework and not a formal plan, but it can be used by the Local Plan to 2041 that VWHDC is beginning to consider. (The local plan to 2031 was adopted in 2016. That allowed all the new housing in North Abingdon, currently being built. The plan to 2041 will take account of the Oxfordshire Strategic Vision adopted in 2021 that aims for a more sustainable future.)

CRAF Options for those VWHDC three sites were in CARF_Final_Document_LR_Feb23.pdf

59% of people responding supported Charter and Bury Street (North) proposals. Options included the potential to redevelop the site to include restaurants, shops, new housing (including homes for the elderly), a health hub, potential employment/office space and a new and improved public library/tourist information centre to replace the existing facilities.

55% of people responding supported the proposals for Abbey House. Options included a mixed-use building with office space, residential accommodation, a hotel, a health hub and other community uses.
70% of people responding supported the proposals for Upper Reaches. Options included redeveloping part of the Site to potentially provide a hotel and function space, restaurant and other leisure uses, and possibly new homes. There could also be recreational space. (Any change would be subject to the leaseholder agreeing or giving up their lease.)

The CARF also included a more general survey on central Abingdon topics.

Q5. What are the top three things you like about central Abingdon? Those with the most support (over 5%) were:
The River (frontage and access) 15%
Access to green spaces, including Abbey Meadows and playground space 15%
History / Character of Place / Aesthetic 13%
Market Place 12%
Great variety of shops and independent shops 12%
The coffee culture 7%
Great pubs and restaurants 6%
…

Q6. What are the top three things that need to change or could improve central Abingdon? Those with the most support (over 5%) were:
Better retail, food and beverage offer 25%
Address traffic volume/control 15%
Improve parking and accessibility 12%
Address empty/vacant shops 9%
Improve leisure and community facilities (incl. improving the opening hours of Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool) 8%
Better and safer cycleways and pedestrian routes 8%
…

The report and survey answers are at CARF-Consultation-Report-FINAL.pdf

It is too big to try to summarise here but I have had a go.