A Transformative Investment in Abingdon’s Heritage
The Abingdon Abbey Buildings are entering an exciting new era. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a growing family of supporters, we are now delivering the Enhancement Project—a comprehensive programme of restoration, accessibility improvements, and community engagement: the most significant investment to the Buildings for 80 years.
At the heart of this project is our commitment to opening up the Abbey Buildings to everyone: removing barriers, introducing level access and a lift, and enabling year-round use so that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy these historic buildings, and reaffirm their place at the heart of Abingdon’s community.
This investment will transform the useability of these much-loved spaces, and will also secure these historic buildings for generations to come.
A Journey of Support and Partnership
Our vision for the future of the Abbey Buildings has only been made possible by years of planning, partnership and investment. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been with us every step of the way, providing not only a major delivery-stage grant of £4 million, but also vital early-stage support:
- A Resilient Heritage Grant which helped us strengthen our governance, develop our business plan, and better understand the work ahead in achieving our vision for the buildings
- A further Heritage Fund at development stage, enabling us to plan the project in detail with input from range of experts and specialists, develop outline community plans, consult widely, and build a robust case for investment.
- A full Heritage Fund delivery stage grant of £3.997m, this will enable us to deliver the ambitious enhancement project that is detailed below.
What the Enhancement Project Will Achieve
- Restoration & Conservation: Urgent repairs and sensitive restoration to safeguard these Grade I listed buildings.
- Accessibility for All: New lift, level access, and modern facilities so everyone can enjoy the Abbey Buildings.
- Year-Round Community Use: Improved heating and insulation will open up the site for events, learning, and celebrations in every season.
- Inspiring Learning & Engagement: New interpretation, digital resources, and a revitalised programme for schools, families, and local groups.
- Expanded Volunteering: More opportunities for people of all ages to get involved and learn new skills.
Why We Still Need Your Help
The Enhancement Project will cost £5.4m, and, thanks to the generous support of our funders, we have already raised a staggering £5.04m. This is a huge achievement for a small charity run entirely by volunteers!
Every donation, large or small, will help us complete the final stage of our fundraising. Your donation will help us to:
- Complete essential restoration and access works
- Deliver an ambitious programme of community engagement, learning, and outreach
- Equip the Abbey Buildings for a sustainable, year-round future
- Please go to our Donations page for further detail of how you can contribute to this exciting project, All donations (including as Patrons) will be eligible for Gift Aid.
- PATRONS SCHEME
- The Trust are also launching a Patrons Scheme and a seat sponsorship scheme for those who are able to contribute larger sums towards the project. Patrons will be invited to join at the following tiers:
- Platinum Patron: A contribution of £5,000, your name will be entered on the Patrons Board plus you will have named seat in the Theatre
- Gold Patron: A contribution of £2,500 your name will be entered on the Patrons Board plus you will have named seat in the Theatre
- Silver Patron: A contribution of £1,000 your name will be entered on the Patrons Board plus you will have named seat in the Theatre
- Bronze Patron: sponsoring of a new named theatre seat
- Please contact the Vice Chair for further details:
Together, we can secure Abingdon’s heritage and create new opportunities for all.
These pictures show how the Abbey Buildings will be updated by the Enhancement Project. The left picture show the outside with the new theatre foyer, and the right shows the current ground floor changes. All of these are subject to detailed design this year and we will be updating this page as the designs are finalised.
Click on an image to view a larger version and the gallery, and the X to close the gallery
Read the press release about the grant award here.
We also gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the following funders:
Abingdon Town Council
Architectural Heritage Fund
The Wolfson Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation
Historic Houses Foundation
Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society
Oxfordshire Buildings Trust
Pilgrim Trust
We are also exceptionally grateful for the individual donations made by countless supporters and friends of the Abingdon Abbey Buildings.