Didcot's long-delayed town centre redevelopment is to go ahead -- demolition work will start on the 16-acre site at the end of the summer.
South Oxfordshire District Council and development partner Taylor Woodrow confirmed Tuesday, June 24, that agreements had been reached with retailers including Woolworths, Argos, Bewise, Specsavers, Greggs, Ladbrokes and Heart to Heart, who along with Sainsbury's will become part of a new town centre costing more than £30m.
The Orchard Centre redevelopment will comprise 28 shops, a Sainsbury's supermarket and a 500-space car park.
An arts centre with a 300-seat auditorium and a five-screen cinema will also be built around a new town square.
After more than two decades of talking and delays, the district council and Taylor Woodrow said the Orchard Centre should open in 2005.
Ann Ducker, leader of the district council, said: "This is a momentous day for Didcot and the council. It's the largest venture the council has been involved in."
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