Children’s play area in Andover set to get £350,000 renovation
A children’s play area in Andover is set to undergo a major £350,000 renovation, after Test Valley Borough Council’s (TVBC) cabinet approved funding for the project yesterday (Wednesday 7 December).
Vigo Road Recreation Ground will see its play area refurbished, after the council undertook a consultation on the community’s aspirations for the wider space last year.
TVBC consulted with local schools, clubs, community groups and disability forums to help form a plan to improve the space. More than 600 people responded, with many saying that the play area was the main reason they visited the site.
Multiple comments were made about the play area needing to be updated to include a wider variety of new equipment with the addition of water play.
Now that TVBC has allocated the funding for the work, it plans to undertake further consultation with the community over the next year to begin to develop a concept for the space before proceeding with tendering and then construction.
It’s hoped the site will be open to the public in Spring 2024.
Councillor David Drew, portfolio holder for leisure, said:
“Following on from the big consultation we did last year, it’s great to see that the renovation of the play area at Vigo Road recreation ground has been approved. Lots of people mentioned that the facilities there needed an upgrade, so I’m pleased this will be able to happen. The changes will not only improve the current equipment, but it will also see the introduction of some new and exciting ones as well. And as we work towards the final plan for the site, we’d love our local residents to help shape the finer details. I’d therefore urge people to keep an eye out for how they can do this in the next year.
“With the park being near the town centre, the project will benefit the community and make a big difference to the whole area.”
Andover St Mary’s ward councillor Iris Andersen added:
“I’m delighted to hear funding has been allocated to make improvements to the play area at Vigo Road Recreation Ground. This project is proof that we listen to our residents and will continue to do so through the next consultation. When that is launched, I would encourage everyone to have their say on what they would like to see in the park, so we are coming up with the final plan together.”