Andover regeneration to include 'wellness quarter'

More than 90 people attended a consultation on ambitious plans to redevelop Andover town centre.

Emerging proposals including redevelopment of the Chantry Centre were presented by HemingwayDesign and NEW masterplanning at the December 11 event.

The proposals also include improving views of St Mary’s Church, relocating The Lights theatre, creating event space, improving links between some of the town’s historic buildings and even removing sections of the ring road to allow better access to the River Anton and Vigo Park.

There would be ‘wellbeing quarter’ for play, exercise and relaxation, upgraded facilities for Andover College and a potential new location for new ‘green’ offices for health insurance provider Simplyhealth. The wellbeing quarter concept has evolved from an initial proposal for a cultural quarter.

Lora White from NEW masterplanning, said: “There was a great energy in St Mary’s on Wednesday evening. People really responded strongly to the proposals, noting they were both ambitious but also logical. The team are excited to take on the feedback we received and to start improving the plans to make them even stronger for the next time we present them.”

Wayne Hemingway, HemingwayDesign, said: “There can be no doubt that Andover, like all towns, has to respond to the public led changes that town centres are going through. Our shopping and leisure habits are changing at a pace not witnessed in generations.

“The great thing is that Andover’s population is up for change and is contributing ideas and thoughts and robust critique of this team’s ideas. This input is much appreciated and is helping to further shape our ideas.”

The proposals are available to view at www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk and survey is open to comments until January 10.