There’s more time to have your say on the future of Andover!
Residents now have until January 17 to share their views on the emerging spatial strategy for the Andover town centre redevelopment, after the consultation deadline was extended to ensure that as many people as possible are able to have their say.
HemingwayDesign and NEW masterplanning are working with Test Valley Borough Council to prepare a masterplan for Andover town centre and their initial plans are available to view and comment on at www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk/emerging-vision.
The online consultation follows a key stakeholder event and an exhibition of the proposed changes at a drop-in shop in Bridge Street in December, which saw more than 600 people come through the door.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Phil North said “Extending the online consultation by another week means that more of Andover’s residents can participate and share their views on the emerging proposals. We understand that Christmas is a busy time for everyone, so we hope that the extension will be welcomed and give more people the chance to help shape the future of the town.”
The proposals include redeveloping the Chantry Centre to open up the High Street and enhance the views of St Mary’s and restore historic connections, relocating The Lights theatre, creating more spaces for events, revitalising Andover’s historic core by providing better links between the Guildhall, church, the Iron Age museum and Town Mills and removing sections of the ring road to help facilitate better access to the River Anton and Vigo Park.
The plans would also see the creation of a ‘wellbeing quarter’ for play, exercise and relaxation, incorporating upgraded facilities for Andover College and providing a potential location for new ‘green’ offices for Simplyhealth near the leisure centre. This has evolved from what was previously referred to as the ‘cultural quarter’ due to the suggestion to relocate The Lights.
And as well as creating more public open space, undertaking major improvements to town centre landscaping and breathing new life into the lanes off the High Street, the designers have also recommended making more of a feature of the river. Removing part of the gyratory will allow for better access to the river and more green space which could be fronted by high quality cafes and restaurants with people living at upper floors.
More information can be found at www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk.