This evening, to celebrate how far the project has come and to build momentum for the year ahead, the chair of the Abingdon Abbey Buildings Project, Gregory Bensberg MBE, gave an update in the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM, and the Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Rawda Jehanli. He thanked his predecessor, Bryan Brown, chairman from 2015–23, along with the trustees and supporters whose work has brought the project to this point.
Mrs Glasgow praised the Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust for the progress made, saying it was important to acknowledge how far the project has come. She highlighted the years of care, fundraising, and dedication invested in the Abbey Buildings, noting that the original founders of 1944 would be proud of what is being achieved 80 years on.
She described how, once restored, the Abbey Buildings will for the first time be fully accessible, open all year, and serve as a community hub and performance space at the heart of Abingdon. Speaking on behalf of His Majesty the King, she expressed thanks for the dedication in preserving such an important building.
Reflecting on a recent Remembrance service, she said: “We are all called to serve – some in the military, and some to fight for our country. But even if we’re not called to fight for our country, we are called to fight for a country worth fighting for, and giving your time and talent to make something like this happen achieves that ambition for us and for Abingdon.”
Architects are already preparing the RIBA Stage 4 procurement documents, with tenders for the main repairs and upgrades due to go out in the New Year.
Gregory Bensberg outlined the works planned:
Improving access
* New windows in the Long Gallery for better light and insulation
* A platform lift between the Lower Hall and Upper Gallery
* A new staircase linking the same floors
* Level routes throughout the building
* Raised floor in the undercroft for level access
* New entrances connecting the undercroft to the theatre
A welcoming entrance
* A new glass-fronted foyer
* Accessible toilets
* An accessible changing room
Improving the Unicorn Theatre
* Level floor (with a small front pit retained)
* Gradual raked seating with new theatre seats
* Improved lighting and technical fittings
Heating / environmental improvements
* Replacement of old heaters with modern hot – and cold – air ventilation
* New heating across the buildings (including chandelier heaters in the Checker, wall heaters in the Long Gallery, and underfloor heating in the undercroft)
Alongside the building works, the Trust is developing a community activity plan to ensure the restored buildings are at the heart of the Abingdon community.
Mr Bensberg said that the total project cost is £5.4 million. With the National Lottery Heritage Fund providing £4 million, the Trust needs to raise £1.4 million in match funding. Of this, £1.1 million has already been secured, leaving approximately £300,000 still to raise by the end of the year to allow the project to begin next summer and be ready by the summer of 2027.
To help reach the final target, the Trust has launched a Patrons Scheme:
* Platinum — £5,000 contribution
* Gold — £1,000 contribution
* Silver — £500 contribution
* Bronze — smaller contributions welcome
Patrons will appear on a Patrons Board and invited to special events.
People can support the project with donations of any size. For details or to donate, visit: abingdonabbeybuildings.co.uk.