A MULTI-MILLION pound deal is about to be struck to bring Abingdon’s faded 1960s shopping precinct into the 21st century.

Vale of White Horse District Council is close to signing an agreement that will kickstart the refurbishment of the Abbey Shopping Centre after years of false starts.

The proposals include: l Improving the range of shop unit sizes by converting and combining some of the existing units into larger stores.

l Creating a new unit of 4,500 sq ft and another one of 2,000 sq ft, both with first floor sales areas.

l Creating a more attractive street by alternating roof heights and removing the existing canopies.

l Repaving l Replacing street furniture, lighting and signs in the shopping centre.

It is part of a new long-term lease agreement between the council, which owns the Bury Street precinct, and the company Scottish Widows, which runs it.

The council expects to confirm the agreement in the new year and, subject to planning permission, work would begin in late spring next year.

The level of investment will not be revealed until the agreement is finalised, but council leader Tony de Vere said: “The refurbishment of the precinct is a multi-million pound scheme.

“I hope the work could be completed within a year.

“Plans to redevelop the neighbouring Charter area are high on the agenda, but will be dealt with at a later date.”

Richard Gibson, executive member for economic development, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to refurbish the Abbey Shopping Centre into an area where the people of Abingdon and the surrounding area can enjoy a better shopping experience.”

Terry Boswell, joint president of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, said: “I welcome the plans, although I’m a bit concerned by the removal of canopies because of the English weather.

“I know the council and Scottish Widows have future plans for the development of the Charter area and I want both schemes to be properly integrated so that we have one cohesive and welcoming shopping area.”

Ian Collett, manager of The Bookstore, said: “Anything that improves the look of the precinct will be welcomed, but until I see someone with a paintbrush in their hand I won’t hold my breath.”

Cameron Murray, investment director at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership, said: “We are very excited with the opportunity a refurbishment of the shopping centre will bring. It is vitally important this is carried out to attract the right type and quality of occupiers into the town.

“We appreciate the hard work and effort that has gone in from stakeholders like the Vale of White Horse District Council to get the refurbishment to this stage.”

In 2006, Threadneedle, which managed the precinct at the time, promised a £1.7m revamp but the project never materialised.