Work to demolish part of the Old Gaol will begin this week.

The listed riverside building will be transformed with cafes and restaurants as well as 61 homes.

The demolition, and archaeological investigations required by English Heritage, should be completed within six months.

Vale of White Horse District Council leader Tony de Vere said: “The beginning of demolition work is an important milestone for those involved.

“After years of debate, the public will finally get to see the physical transformation of the site begin to take place.”