Young people help create new mural for Andover town centre
Local young people have helped create a striking new mural on Chantry Street, transforming a town centre walkway with artwork inspired by their own experiences, ideas and creativity.
Commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council, the project was led by Winchester-based artist Kezia Hoffman in collaboration with young people from Andover Young Carers, Breakout Youth and Yellow Brick Road. Building on the popularity of the existing Hendog artwork, it explores how creativity can help enliven underused spaces while giving local people meaningful opportunities to help shape the appearance and character of their town centre.
The mural was developed through a series of creative workshops exploring themes including community, kindness, identity and belonging. The young people worked closely with Kezia to develop the design, with their ideas and drawings helping to shape the finished artwork.
On 26 September 2026, participants from all three groups came together to help paint the mural, bringing their shared vision to life and contributing to a new feature in the town centre.
Councillor Iris Andersen, ward member for Andover St Mary’s, said: "This project has given local young people an opportunity to help create a piece of public art in the heart of Andover, inspired by the Hendog artwork. Their ideas sit at the centre of the mural, and the result is a thoughtful and imaginative artwork that celebrates kindness, inclusion and belonging.
"It's also a great example of how creativity can enhance public spaces, bring people together and help make our town centre an even more welcoming place for residents and visitors."
Artist Kezia Hoffman said: "From the beginning, this project was about listening to young people and creating something together. The ideas they shared about acceptance, community and finding your place in the world were thoughtful, imaginative and honest, and those ideas became the foundation of the mural.
"It was fantastic to see the young people come together to help paint the artwork and watch their ideas come to life. I hope it encourages people to pause, look closely and reflect on the importance of belonging and connection."
The Chantry Street mural is the latest addition to Andover's growing collection of public art and supports wider regeneration efforts to enhance the town centre, celebrating Andover's unique character and encouraging people to spend time in the town and enjoy its public spaces.
For more information about the project and the story behind the artwork, please visit: https://www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk/chantry-street-mural