New shop frontage grant helps Andover business refresh its High Street presence
Andover Framing has unveiled a smart new shopfront thanks to support from Test Valley Borough Council’s Andover Town Centre Frontage Grant.
Owned by the Gisby family since 2021, Andover Framing offers bespoke picture framing, artwork sales and fine art reproduction. The business that has been part of Andover for decades, received £9,500 to improve the frontage of its High Street premises. The grant funded new fascia panels, signage, a refreshed display area and UV protective window film to protect artwork from sun damage.
Andrew Gisby, who runs the business with wife Sharon and daughter Laura, said: “Thank you for making this possible. It’s really injected some positivity into our little business, and honestly, we could not have contemplated such an investment without the council's help. "
The design reflects a vintage style in keeping with the listed building’s heritage and the character of the High Street. Andrew and Laura first shared their ideas with the council’s planning and economic development teams at a drop-in session at the Guildhall over the summer. The next drop-in will take place on Monday 8 December from 5.45pm to 6.45pm in the Upper Guildhall.
Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “While we’re delivering major regeneration projects, we’re also working hard to improve the rest of the town centre and help local businesses survive and thrive. It’s fantastic to see how this grant has supported a long-standing local business to refresh its shopfront and contribute to the High Street’s appeal.”
The Andover Town Centre and High St Shop and Frontage Grant was developed by TVBC in collaboration with the Andover BID and Andover Town Council. For more information, visit: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/business/businessgrantsandsupport/grantsandfunding/andover-town-centre-frontage-grant
These town centre grants are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit :  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus