Diggers at the ready as Town Mills set to be totally transformed
Hold onto your hard hats as the work to deliver the picturesque Town Mills riverside park is about to pick up speed, with phase two of the project to create the striking new space set to begin on Monday 12 October.
The scheme, led by Hampshire County Council in association with Test Valley Borough Council and Andover Vision, has already seen work completed to close off vehicle access from Bridge Street into Town Mill Road. Contractors have also created a new access route from Western Avenue to the existing car park and businesses.
And now work will begin in earnest to create the new park itself, with luscious new landscaping, brand new walkways and surfacing, and eye-catching features to really showcase the river, making it the perfect spot for people to relax, play, picnic and enjoy.
The scheme marks the first step towards the total transformation and redevelopment of the town centre after the council approved the new masterplan for Andover at the end of September.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Hampshire County Council for all their hard work on this project. It’s exciting to see the Town Mills riverside park development progressing to the next phase and I am really looking forward to watching the area take shape over the coming months. Making the most of the town’s green space, and in particular the river, is one of our key aspirations for Andover and this project very much marks the first step towards redeveloping the wider town centre, following the adoption of the masterplan last month.
“We are working closely with Hampshire County Council to ensure a smooth opening of the new access road from Western Avenue later this month and will keep residents and businesses updated on progress.
“This is great news for the town and having spent many an hour watching the ducks by the river as a child, it will be brilliant to see this area transformed.”
Hampshire County Council has appointed Skanska to carry out the work and has said that it will make every effort to minimise disruption for residents and businesses.
It is hoped that the work to create the new riverside park will be completed in spring 2021.