Update on the Abbey Hall – 23 December 2024

Since the discovery of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) roofing panels in Abbey
Hall two months ago, officers, with the support of councillors, have been working intensively to
seek to resolve both the problem, and the best future for Abbey Hall.

Abingdon Town Council is pleased to confirm that the asbestos contamination issue at Abbey Hall
has been professionally addressed. The underside of the roof has been sealed to prevent further
contamination.

The next step is to decide the long-term future of Abbey Hall, which requires extensive work,
including the installation of a remediation scheme for the RAAC roofing panels, roof repairs, energy
efficiency measures and reconfiguration. The cost of the measures so far has been £180,000 and
the Council has been advised that the cost of a full renovation of Abbey Hall would be £2,500,000,
which is beyond the Council’s financial resources.

In the circumstances, the Council has sought technical, financial, and legal advice to ensure its
actions remain prudent, offer best value for Abingdon residents, and comply with regulatory
requirements. In addition, the Council has to assess the effect that any building and renovation
work will have on the historic Guildhall, to which Abbey Hall is adjoined. The Council is also liaising
with Vale of White Horse District Council, which has certain rights under the agreement which
transferred the ownership of Abbey Hall to the Council.

A Special Council Meeting was scheduled for 18th December to discuss this advice, but it was
deferred as not all the necessary information had been provided. The Council will reconvene after
obtaining all the required advice.

The Council is very supportive of providing a continuing cinema presence in Abingdon. To this end,
the Council has extended the rent-free use of the Old Magistrate’s Court for Abbey Cinema until
28th February 2025