An update from Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council has been issued at https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/news/update-on-the-abbey-hall

Work to fix the roof of the Abbey Hall will start in early February to ensure the building’s safety. It has been closed with Asbestos and Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) issues since 2nd October 2024. The Asbestos has already been made safe and so the RAAC work needs doing.

The Abbey Cinema can continue operating rent-free from the Old Magistrate’s Court until 31st March 2025. This is a smaller venue with cheaper tickets.

After the roof is fixed, the auditorium will be ‘decorated to make good’ and the town council says, ‘It is hoped that the Abbey Cinema will then be back in the auditorium and that their normal service will be resumed.’

It was said before Christmas, ‘The cost of the measures so far has been £180,000 and
the Council has been advised that the cost of a full renovation of Abbey Hall would be £2,500,000, which is beyond the Council’s financial resources.’