Andover Masterplan the Chantry centre public space
Public asked for their feedback on public space designs as Andover regen plans take shape
Test Valley Borough Council has today launched a consultation for feedback on designs that will guide the future redevelopment of Andover town centre, covering everything from street furniture to the use of spaces for events.
The Andover Public Realm Design Guide will help ensure that any development in the town is carried out to a high standard and will be used to determine whether to grant permission for planning applications.
It looks at how people should move through the town, pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, traffic calming measures, event spaces, street furniture, building materials, and the integration of facilities such as electric vehicle charging points.
The document has been produced by NEW Masterplanning, who also created the masterplan for the redevelopment of the town centre.
The design guide is available at www.testvalley.gov.uk/andoverpublicrealmspd and people have until 12 noon on 3 February to submit their feedback.
Once the consultation has closed, NEW Masterplanning and TVBC will review the feedback and make any changes to the designs before putting the document forward for formal adoption.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “For the masterplan to be successful it is critical that we set out the standards we expect any new development in Andover to meet. The Andover Public Realm Design Guide starts to give people a flavour of the quality we are looking to achieve in the town centre. As I have said many times before, we have a once in a generation opportunity to get this right and we will leave nothing to chance.
“I would urge people to review the document and share any feedback they have.”
The council is also waiting to hear the outcome of its bid for £18.5M from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to accelerate delivery of the masterplan.
If successful, the money will be used to deliver a stunning riverside park along Western Avenue, transform the riverside footpath south of Bridge Street, demolish the former magistrates’ court building, and create a spectacular new cultural hub in the town centre which would include the relocation of The Lights theatre.