Andover Masterplan published
Last updated 15th Sep 2020
A glimpse into Andover’s future has been published with Test Valley Borough Council publishing its long-awaited town centre masterplan, marking what could be the start of ten years of redevelopment.
The plans, which will be considered at a full council meeting on September 28, would see the total transformation of the town centre. New routes and improvements to the lanes will see the High Street better connected to the surrounding area and more welcoming for independent retailers.
The Council say town centre living will also play a key role, new accommodation at upper floors will create ready-made footfall for shops and eateries, bringing life in the evenings and helping to fund the wider redevelopment plans.
One of the most radical changes would see the existing Chantry Centre site replaced with mixed use development, delivering space for more independent retailers, health, community and leisure uses, space for pop-up retailing, as well as new office space and apartments at upper levels. A new The Lights theatre would be the star attraction overlooking a bustling new square where people could relax and dine, bringing a more social feel to the picturesque Georgian market town.
A riverside walk will showcase Andover’s largely hidden watercourse, the River Anton, offering the setting for families and friends to picnic and wander along the water’s edge.
The Council plans also recommend the development of a Wellbeing Quarter, which will encompass the area around Andover Leisure Centre and include a new college campus, creating a modern space for people to exercise, relax and enjoy. This would also help to create a green corridor linking the River Anton to Vigo Park and open up views to St Mary’s Church.
The proposals, which have been 12 months in the making, are the work of designers, HemingwayDesign and NEW masterplanning. They have consulted with more than 4,000 residents, businesses and other stakeholders to form the new vision for the town.
The masterplan and flythroughs, which enable viewers to step into the future and take a look around the new town centre, are available at www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk
If councillors approve the plans later this month, the authority will press ahead with appointing a developer partner to begin work on delivering the major changes in the town centre, with the masterplan acting as a blueprint.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “This is a truly incredible day for the town and I am so excited to finally be able to share our plans for the future of Andover.
"This is the culmination of a huge amount of hard work and I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved with this project, including all those who took the time to respond to the surveys and in particular the amazing teams at HemingwayDesign and NEW masterplanning for sharing my passion and vision for the town and believing in its potential.
“Town centres are changing. They are becoming more of a place for leisure and living as well as retail – and everyone’s efforts have helped create a plan to ensure Andover town centre is fit for the future.
“Of course, the hard work doesn’t end here, rather this marks the beginning of a huge project to create a new era for Andover - and our next step will be to identify a developer partner, or an alternative delivery mechanism, to bring these plans to life.
“We’re living in extraordinary times but I firmly believe that regeneration remains the key to recovery and I am absolutely committed to taking this forward as quickly as possible.”
Councillor North believes it could take up to 10 years to complete the redevelopment. Work is likely to be carried out in phases with the Council helping to re-locate any businesses affected.