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Riverside park project in full flow as council submits planning application
Residents are a step closer to getting a new riverside park as Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has this week submitted the planning application to open up the town’s charming watercourse.
The plans flow from the community’s aspiration to see more green space in the town centre. The new park will unlock new views of the River Anton, which is currently hidden by the large expanse of tarmac along Western Avenue.
The council released the draft designs for the park and changes to the highway layout back in March, and these have now been submitted to the authority’s planning team for consideration.
Over the next few weeks, the planning service will consult various organisations including Hampshire County Council and Environment Agency, as well as residents, before they present their recommendation to TVBC’s planning committee in the summer.
By changing the road layout and creating a space for inviting landscapes and accessible pathways along the river, the transformation will help to foster a seamless connection between the western side of the town, the river, Town Mills park and the new The Lights theatre, which is due to be built on the site of the old Poundstretcher unit next to the Chantry Centre.
There will be spaces for events and food and coffee stalls, innovative play elements for children of all ages to enjoy, and a peaceful path for visitors to weave their way through the park. All while highlighting the town’s picturesque watercourse, which will be extended and enriched with new planting, creating thriving habitats and enhancing the area’s natural beauty.
TVBC leader, Councillor Phil North, said: “This is an exciting step in the process where we will be able to bring the plans to life in greater detail.
“As well as delivering on the communities’ desire to make more of the River Anton, it will also connect beautifully to the new The Lights theatre in the heart of the town centre.
“The river is a truly priceless asset that few town centres are lucky to have. By making the changes to the highway, we will be able to unlock new views of the watercourse for all to enjoy, drawing more people into Andover and increasing the time they spend there, helping local businesses to thrive and bringing new traders into the town.”
Residents will be able to have their say on the finer design details for the park following the planning process.
This project is part funded by the £18.3m awarded by the UK Government to Test Valley Borough Council to regenerate Andover town centre.