Multi-storey car park in Abingdon 'should be' demolished

The upper levels of the car park in The Charter are currently out of use because of "structural concerns", according to the Vale council.

Neil Fawcett, county county for Abingdon South, who also represents Abingdon on the Vale of White Horse District Council, and the town council, said it was now time for the car park in The Charter to be demolished.

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The council's website says: "Levels 3 and upwards are closed.

"The lower levels of the Charter car park are open, but Levels 3 and upwards are closed until further notice due to concerns regarding structural issues and fire safety.

"We’ve carried out work on the lower levels to ensure they are safe, however further assessment work is required to review the upper levels.

"While the lower levels remain open space is very limited, so we’re encouraging motorists to use the other car parks in Abingdon, where there is good capacity."

Mr Fawcett said the car park should be demolished as part of plans to redevelop the town centre, including The Charter.

Following public consultation, a series of development options have been drawn up by the Vale council in a special report called the Central Abingdon Regeneration Framework (CARF).

Mr Fawcett said: "I think the multi-storey car park should be demolished.

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"Cars can't park on the upper levels because there are concerns about the structure - I believe there are signs of concrete decay."

The CARF document looks at two slightly different sets of options for The Charter but both would involve the demolition of buildings including the multi-storey car park.

One option suggests demolishing The Charter, plus units in Bury Street North and clearing the site for a five-storey development.

New library facilities would be provided on the site, while health and social care facilities would be relocated.

A budget hotel could also feature in the proposals.

In a second option, health care facilities would be included on site.

The library in The Charter is one of the most popular in the county.

A previous plan to move it was abandoned.

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Mr Fawcett added: "There could be a mixture of housing, retail and improved health and library services.

"The Charter is long overdue for a revamp - the challenge will be the economic situation, and how we find businesses to invest but this is a growing town with high employment."

The introduction to the CARF report, which also considers other areas of the town centre which could be improved, says: "Over recent years, central Abingdon has declined somewhat in relation to its retail offer, popularity and in respect of part of the public realm and ability to move around."

Mr Fawcett said Vale council officers were now considering options for redevelopment of the town centre and a report would be discussed by the Vale cabinet later this year.

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Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

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