Developers have revealed plans to smarten up the most run-down part of Abingdon town centre.

Lovell Partnerships are confident of a good response to the latest plans for the west central area, which were drawn up following public consultation last year.

The derelict Regal Cinema in High Street would be demolished and replaced with new houses, offices and shops on the surrounding six-acre site. Nearby Neave House, which is used for offices, would also disappear. Colin Mitchell, Lovell's business development manager, said: "With the support of the council and people of Abingdon, we can transform this blighted area into a vibrant and pleasant asset to the community.

"Our current proposals build on the expressed preferences of residents and aim to provide an environment where the car is not prevalent, where families large and small can live on a variety of incomes, and where there is an appropriate element of commercial use."

Plans include 66 new homes and a number of offices and shops. Two businesses, currently based at Neave House, will be given new office space. Thirty-two three-bedroom houses are proposed, along with five two-bedroom flats, nine one-bedroom flats and eight one-bedroom flats for social housing. The Vale of White Horse District Councilwould also like to include 12 flats to help disadvantaged young people.

The site is known to be of historic importance. A medieval ditch and an old fortress run across the site, and a medieval cemetery was identified. The Oxford Archaeological Unit also discovered remains of the former St Helen's Vicarage. Mr Mitchell said: "We have taken careful note of Abingdon's rich heritage, and blended that with modern energy-saving principles."

The plans are on show at the Electric Showroom, West St Helen Street, until Saturday. Staff from the Vale and Lovell will be on hand to answer questions and listen to comments.

Story date: Thursday 04 November

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