A lot more signs have appeared over the last week to make it clear that businesses are still open along the Abbey Shopping Centre.
From Wednesday to Friday last week five units (between Boots and what was The Lemon Plaice) were reduced to rubble by demolition excavators. This is what it now looks like from the County Hall roof.
And this is the view from the fitness centre in Queen Street where people can watch the demolition machines in operation as they train on treadmills.
Like they say “you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs”…
I heard a rumour that the new supermarket in the town cenrte will be another Tesco. Any chance that this can be stopped before it goes any further? Surely the Council got the message after the outcry about the Tesco in the Oxford Road?
It won’t be up to the council to decide.
I hope not, given that there are ‘enough’ Tescos already, in the ex-public houses, I hope another can be found for the 2 larger units. They did have a guarantee of someone moving in before it was demolished. It would be a shame to have 2 empty units after all the disruption….
I was under the impression that the new supermarket was to be Sainsbury’s , going in to the multi storey, library end when it is redeveloped
If you are talking about the Charter redevelopment – which is some way off yet – I believe that the only reason the Sainsbury rumour started was because the artist’s impression of the future development showed a food store with orange signage!
Also, if you look at the documents on the Vale website, you will see that only food retailers have shown any interest in the site – so we are unlikely to get Marks & Spencer or JOhn Lewis no matter how much we want it!
If you are talking about the Abbey Centre redevelopment – which is happening now – I don’t think the supermarkets are interested in the 2 larger units that are being created. Also the artist’s impression shows a shop called “Moonson” – but I dont think this means that Monsoon are coming:(
Just to reinforce Helen’s points.
SWIP are the landlords for the precinct and, would be the landlord if the charter development proceeds (subject to consultation etc).
The councils will have little, if any, choice on which retailers they choose to let the stores to.
As the Choice of retailers is commercially highly sensitive, SWIP are keeping any names close to there chest. There are lots of rumours about, but they are just that – rumours.
All that is on record that I have seen is that the target for the precinct is two multiple fashion retailers and that for the charter only a supermarket would be able to pay the rents necessary to finance the scheme.
I hope this helps
I was lucky enough to meet with SWIP & New River to discuss the plans for the shopping centre & charter area last September. Iain is correct in saying that the retailers that are due to take up the new units is a sensitive issue, I can say that I have been informed that the only way that a Tesco could open on the Charter would be if they sold the Marcham Road store to another supermarket chain, otherwise they will be in direct competition with each other. 2 supermarkets have expressed an interest in the site. I would point out that Tesco is a different company to Tesco Express, although they are owned by the same parent company.
We do need a proper, mid-range supermarket in the town centre. None of the existing Tesco stores are particularly convenient for any residents of South Abingdon who don’t drive and who get to/from work via the town centre. The Co-Op’s a big pikey and Waitrose a bit pricey. I would have no problem with a Sainsbury’s or another Tesco (Express) moving in.
i do hope it will not be another Tesco, what a blight on our region if so, i seen a similar news thread on this site which talked about the redevelopment http://www.vulcandemolition.co.uk the plans are written on there
These are really superb photos. Great info..I agree with your blog.!!
Nice blog wit h nice pics..As a demolition operative you would demolish or dismantle old and derelict structures or buildings..Thanks for sharing!!