It looks as though the archway linking Checker Walk and Thames Street will soon close as work begins on the major restoration and improvement of Abingdon’s historic Abbey Buildings.
There is no sign of heavy machinery on site yet, but glaziers have been at work, and three more of the Abbey windows have now been leaded with glass and their protective canvas removed.
The project is part of a major programme of improvements supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The aim is to conserve and restore the historic Abbey Buildings while making them more accessible and usable and better suited for year-round use.
Sorry to go off topic! Has anyone seen the news that Miele is leaving Abingdon? They’re such a big local employer, and that’s a huge plot of land by Fairacres (I’ve heard they own all the way down to Toolstation).
I spoke to someone who works there and they said the warehouse staff are facing redundancies, the Outlet is closing, and the office is relocating to Reading, meaning a lot of the office staff will be losing their jobs as well. Terrible news for the local community.
I don’t think it has been confirmed for certain that they are leaving but it is not looking promising.
Obviously the market for consumer goods is highly competitive and Miele, specialising in the high end market, has obviously had to make difficult decisions. I don’t think this necessarily reflects on Abingdon but I suspect a move to a smaller HQ is being pursued as the current space is not needed, and Reading on the M4, with excellent railway links and closer to London fits the bill for many companies.
But of course, the usuals will blame the County and Town Councils…