THE complete overhaul of Abingdon town centre could happen in the next five years, the district council chief has revealed.

David Buckle, joint chief executive of the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils, said he wanted a comprehensive redevelopment of the historic market town, including more nightclubs and restaurants.

The town currently has one nightclub, Strattons, in Ock Street.

A document by the Vale council, which sets out how the town could be developed over the next 20 years, includes plans for a health centre and leisure facilities.

But Mr Buckle wants changes implemented in the next five to 10 years.

He said: “I think it’s a five- to 10-year period that we’re talking about.

“We want new shops, environmental improvements, nightclubs, ten-pin bowling and restaurants, but these things will only happen if there is commercial viability.”

Matt Thomas, of Orange Frog Mortgages, in West St Helen Street, said: “I think what he’s saying is brilliant. It needs to be a five-year plan.

“Most of the people living in the town won’t benefit from it if it takes any longer. It will be too late.”

The plan sets out how a larger library and health centre could be built in The Charter, with offices and new homes above the ground floor.

Discussions are currently going on with pensions and investment firm Scottish Widows about revitalising the rundown Bury Street precinct, which it manages, but full scale redevelopment could follow.

Mr Buckle added: “As a council, on the one hand we are trying to achieve things tomorrow by talking to Scottish Widows in relation to Bury Street.

“But at the same time, we’re also looking longer term.”

Ian Collett, who owns The Bookstore, in Bury Street, said: “I would be happy if it was a two-year plan, but in 20 years I probably won’t be here.”

Scottish Widows has said that the stalled plan to revamp the 1960s precinct will be revived.

Traders have been demanding action for 20 years and blame the state of the precinct for a fall in trade. There are currently 13 empty shops.

In November 2006, the centre’s then manager, Threadneedle, promised a £1.7m revamp and said work would start in two years. Two planning applications were submitted by the company but work never started.

At the beginning of this year, Scottish Widows took over the running of the council-owned precinct.

abingdon@oxfordmail.co.uk