Park plans progress – have your say at upcoming drop-in sessions
Plans to transform Vigo Park in Andover are moving into their next stage, and residents are invited to help shape what happens next.
Following Test Valley Borough Council’s approval of a £3.5 million investment, work is now under way to develop detailed designs for a new community pavilion/bowls clubhouse, a refreshment kiosk, water play attraction and secure public toilets.
To make sure the designs reflect what the community wants and needs, the council will be holding drop-in sessions where residents can see early ideas, ask questions and share their views.
The sessions are open to everyone, including families, young people, older residents, access groups and regular park users. People will be asked about their priorities for the new water play area, such as the types of features they would most like to see, how the space can be made inclusive and easy to use, and whether it could serve more than one purpose throughout the year. Residents will also be invited to share what facilities and uses they feel are most important for the new bowls clubhouse/community pavilion.
To ensure the new facilities are accessible and inclusive, the council is also working closely with groups such as Purple Oak, Koala and Yellow Brick Road, whose insights will help shape a space that reflects the needs of Andover’s diverse community.
Feedback and input from these sessions will help shape the final designs before a planning application is submitted later in the year.
The drop-in session dates and times are:
· Session one - Chantry Centre, former O2 unit
Date: Wednesday 11 March
Time: 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm
· Session two - Chantry Centre, former O2 unit
Date: Saturday 14 March
Time: 10am to 3pm
· Session three - Chantry Centre, former O2 unit
Date: Saturday 28 March
Time: 10am to 3pm
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “This is a really exciting next step, and I look forward to hearing residents’ views. We have engaged the local community throughout the process, and we are keen for your input once again. This forms part of our project to transform and regenerate the town, and alongside the new theatre and Western Avenue riverside park, Andover has a fantastic few years ahead.”
Councillor Iris Andersen, ward member for Andover St Mary’s, added: “This is such a valued asset in the local community, and I am delighted that residents and users will be helping us to shape the new facilities. It is so important that this is a park that everyone can enjoy, so please come along to the sessions and let us know what you think.”
Subject to planning consent, construction is expected to begin in autumn 2026, with the new facilities completed in autumn 2027.
The project forms part of the council’s wider commitment to regenerating Andover town centre and improving parks and open spaces across Test Valley, delivering long term benefits for local communities.