Demolition company appointed to set the stage for new theatre
National demolition experts, The Erith Group, have been appointed to knock down the former Poundstretcher unit in the Chantry Centre ready to get the show on the road for the building of the new The Lights theatre.
Test Valley Borough Council, which is delivering the project, will be working with The Erith Group over the coming weeks to install the hoardings and carry out initial site work. This will include stripping the existing unit and putting the temporary structural supports in place to reinforce the Chantry Centre roof, ready for the main external demolition work to start later in the summer.
The Chantry Centre entrance next to the site will remain open throughout the work, and demolition is expected to be completed early 2026. Construction on the new theatre is then expected to begin in spring 2026.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “It’s fantastic that following all the planning and preparation that has gone into the theatre project so far, we will start to see work begin in earnest on site over the next few weeks and months.
“As well as being committed to delivering a fantastic new theatre and bright future for the town, we remain focused on making sure the town centre continues to thrive in the meantime. It’s critically important to us that we limit the impact on nearby businesses and customers, so the Chantry Centre will remain open as normal throughout the work, and we will be keeping people informed along the way as things progress.
“With the progress on the Western Avenue riverside park project, announcement that Powder Monkey will be moving into the lower Guildhall and the theatre project moving at pace, Andover has a phenomenal few years of transformation ahead.”
Set across three floors and with capacity to hold just under 1,000 people across a multitude of spaces, the new home for The Lights theatre will provide a state-of-the-art venue for audiences, performers, community groups and businesses to enjoy.
And the increased footfall will help to enhance the local economy, supporting food and drink establishments in the town and enticing new businesses to come into Andover to meet demand.