DEMOLITION work has begun at Abingdon’s Old Gaol, right, to pave the way for the redevelopment of the former prison, which was later used as a sports centre.
The 199-year-old complex will be converted to create 61 flats, along with shops and restaurants.
Demolition of the swimming pool and sports hall and part of the old police station will be followed by archaeological surveys. If nothing unexpected is found on the site, construction work will begin immediately after the surveys.
Vale of White Horse District Council strategic director Matt Prosser said: “This is a fantastic scheme and it’s great news that it’s finally under way.
“It will make a huge difference to the area and create better public access to the river.”
The project is due to be completed 2012.
The Old Gaol was built in 1811 by French prisoners of war and then became Berkshire’s county gaol.
It was turned into a sports centre in 1974 but was replaced in 2002 by the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre.
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