PLANS for the revamp of Abingdon Guildhall were pored over by residents who took the chance to pass on some final advice before work begins.

People from the town were able to view the plans in the town council offices on Saturday and question architect Dan Lewandowski.

The set of £2.1m proposals could see the outdated building gain a glass-fronted cafe and bar, a modern area for functions, a section for film screenings, bike racks, greenery and feature lighting.

The plans passed by Vale of White Horse District Council in May would also improved accessibility for wheelchairs and prams.

Mr Lewandowski said he was pleased the project was coming to fruition after his two-and-a-half years of work on it.

He said: "We want to create a facility that is as flexible as possible.

"What we have tried to do is to create a venue that is flexible and useful for people to use and occupy in the best way.

"Everyone is desperate to see it happen and there have been a lot of questions today about when it will start."

The project is already slightly delayed, as councillors had set an original target date of June for building to start.

But Abingdon Town Council, which owns the building, said work will start "imminently."

Mr Lewandowski said the Guildhall had not been easy to work with.

He said: "The building itself is quite challenging, it is not going anywhere that is for sure.

"There are always challenges with modern requirements but it is a building we have grown very found of over the years and we know it pretty well now."

Artist's impressions of what the building will look like were laid out for residents to examine in the Roysse Room of the town council offices.

Abingdon man Stephen Phelps said he approved of the interior plans but wanted more to be done with the outside.

He said: "It is a box, I would like it to be blended in with the surroundings.

"If they had more glass or something to camouflage it that would be good.

"I think the interior improvements look much better."

It is hoped the main hall will be a popular venue for community groups and that the bar and cafe area will attract people holding functions in other parts of the town council offices.

District councillor Mike Badcock was among those listening to people's views at the consultation.

He said: "A lot of people have come in and have had a genuine interest.

"This will make the town more attractive.

"It is a relief that we have got to somewhere where we can go to the people of Abingdon and show them what we have got."