The face of Abingdon town centre is set to change after contracts were exchanged on a new development scheme.

The Vale of White Horse District Council has exchanged contracts with national house builders Lovell Partnership Ltd.

The council has sold the land at the back of the old Regal Cinema to the Lovell Partnership for an undisclosed amount.

Called the West Central Action, the site includes the old cinema, the former Southern Electricity Board depot and Neave House - an office block built just ten years ago, which will be demolished and the occupants relocated.

The development will have a mix of private and social housing, offices and shops.

But the main focus will be a hostel and training centre for young people called The Foyer.

A planning application is expected by the end of February and building work is due to start later this year.