ONE of Abingdon's most famous buildings, the Old Gaol, will be put on the market for development bids early in the new year.

But it is expected to take at least a year before work starts on what the Vale of White Horse District Council hopes will be a "prestigious and quality" redevelopment.

The council will start advertising in late January or early February. The closing date for bids will be in May and a shortlist will be drawn up after the local elections in May.

Housing, shops, cafes and bars could be considered. An important condition is that there must be some form of public access from the courtyard, through the Old Gaol, to the riverside garden.

The original early 19th century Old Gaol, which was built with the help of French prisoners captured during the Napoleonic Wars, is Grade II listed and will remain the centrepiece of the site.

Other parts of the complex, including the 1970s sports hall and swimming pool, could be demolished, along with the former police station, although part of that is also listed.

The Old Gaol has been empty for four years since the opening of the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre.

Council chief executive Terry Stock said: "The views of the exterior of the Old Gaol from across the river and from the courtyard are to be preserved or improved. No development will be allowed that restricts them.

"We expect the most likely proposals will be a mixed use development, including restaurants, pub and homes. If more than 15 homes are included, then 40 per cent would have to be affordable."

Council executive member Bob Johnston said: "The business case must stack up for what we want to see - a prestigious and quality development."

The development will mean 20 small start-up businesses and The Bridge youth project will have to relocate.