New arch set for George Yard
The first of seven arches is nearly ready
Test Valley Borough Council took a step closer to its plans to install new arches on Andover High Street last week as it carried out a trial fitting of the George Yard arch. The stylish new entrance will be the first of seven wrought iron structures designed to draw attention to the businesses located along the small streets off the High Street.
Artist Peter Clutterbuck was commissioned to design all of the arches with an aim to improve the town centre for residents, visitors and businesses. Peter’s previous work includes the War Memorial Park gate and town entrance sign in Hedge End, the bandstand in Southsea and Falklands memorial arch in Fareham, as well as a wide range of other projects. The George Yard arch is expected to be fitted in the next few weeks.
Peter said: “The trial fitting was a success, so we’re now working hard to prepare the arch to be a permanent fixture. We’re enjoying working on this project and we can’t wait to see the difference the arches will make to the overall appearance of Andover High Street.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Carr, said: “I’m really pleased that the trial fitting for the first arch went well. Once the structure has been galvanised and painted, the artist will be able to fit it properly. We are continuing to progress work on the other arches by liaising with the building owners and securing the relevant permissions required to carry out the work.”
Once complete, there will be a total of seven arches in the High Street. As well as George Yard, arches will be installed at Black Swan Yard, Waterloo Court, Union Street, Shaw’s Walk, Globe Yard and King’s Yard.