Lights, planning, action: new theatre venue gets the go-ahead
Plans for a new theatre venue for The Lights in Andover have been given the green light, with planning consent officially granted by Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee last night (30 October).
The new three-storey venue will include a state-of-the-art, multi-level auditorium with seating for over 400 people (a significant increase from the 249-seat capacity of the current theatre). Alongside this, the plans feature a separate, flexible space for performances and events, plus dance studios and meeting rooms available for public hire. Visitors will be able to enjoy relaxed social spaces, with café and bar areas located at either end of the building. Outside, terraced spaces will offer pleasant spots to sit and unwind during warmer weather.
The Lights currently delivers a varied programme of shows each year and is a much-loved community asset. Its popularity has meant that it is now oversubscribed and needs to expand to continue to meet the demands of the community.
One of the striking differences between the new venue and the current theatre, will be the ability to run shows and events in both the auditorium and second event space simultaneously, as well as operating classes and meetings in other locations around the building. Quality sound proofing and an enhanced design will mean the venue can run at full occupancy of nearly 1,000 people, playing a central role in enhancing Andover’s daytime and evening economy, by drawing more people into the town centre to support local businesses
The design for the new venue, developed by specialist theatre architects Burrell Foley Fischer, reflects the character of Andover’s historic centre while offering modern, accessible facilities for a wide range of performances and community uses. Taking inspiration from two prominent public buildings in the town, St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall, the façade will feature a series of stone arches, forming a striking colonnade. The building will be crafted from light coloured stone, to reflect the local chalk stream, paired with pale brick and elements of natural flint and bronze.
Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said:
“This is a landmark moment for Andover. The new theatre will be a place to celebrate creativity and community – and a catalyst for economic growth. It’s a key part of our wider regeneration plans and will help bring more people into the town centre, day and night.”
Helen Grassly, Director at Burrell Foley Fischer, added:
“The designs will deliver technically excellent facilities for both professional and community users, while recreating the intimacy of the existing theatre. Our new building makes the most of the town-centre site, with visible activity on all three public façades, a landscape design linking the High Street and the River Anton, and a new public square providing a focal point for community events."
The venue will include accessible seating across all levels, energy-efficient design features, and two entrances – one from the High Street and a second opposite Town Mills Riverside Park. A new public square will be created between the theatre and the library, with landscaping designed to complement the local chalk stream environment.
A separate application to demolish the former Poundstretcher unit was approved earlier this year, with demolition works now underway.
Pending appointment of a contractor, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the new venue opening in late 2027 or early 2028. The current theatre will continue to operate as normal until the new venue is ready, ensuring continuity for audiences and performers.
The project is part of the wider Andover Masterplan and is supported by £18.3 million of funding from central government, secured to accelerate key regeneration projects in the town. It responds to strong public demand for a new venue for the popular local theatre, with almost 80% of respondents highlighting the need for a modern venue in the town centre.
You can view the full design proposals and learn more about the project at: www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk/theatre