The shops at Reynolds Way were first recorded in the 1965 Abingdon Directory, and at that time, not all the units were taken.
The first shops were P. Holmes & Son, Bakers and Confectioners, their third shop.
Peta Ladies Hairdresser
Cottrells, butchers. Their 5th shop.
At 13/15, Wattes (Provisions Stores).
By 1969 only P Holmes & Son was still there:
1, Durham (Fish Fryer)
3, Arnold and Son
5, P Holmes & Son (Baker & Confectioner)
7, Lowe (Ladies’ Hairdresser)
9, Wiblin (Butcher)
11, West S. Helen’s Fruiterers
13/15 Lapwoods (Provisions Stores)
Back in the 60s most towns seemed to have small shopping areas like this in the residential suburbs with basic food shops.
Yes – when Peachcroft was first built they had a butcher, baker, greengrocer, off-licence as well as the supermarket. Even now that area is better provided for than later developments.
Sadly proposals to move back in that direction are being treated with suspicion by many people!
As long as there’s enough free parking, these hubs would be a nice idea.