Pictured left to right: Cllr Iris Andersen, Cllr Anthony Burley, Cllr Heather Neate, Cllr Katherine Bird
New family arcade opens in the Chantry Centre
A new family friendly arcade has opened in the Chantry Centre, joining the growing mix of activities available in Andover town centre.
High Score Arcades has taken a five year lease on units 16–18 in the centre and opened its doors in style on Saturday 7 March, with world-famous brothers Mario and Luigi on hand to greet fans and join in on the gaming action.
The business offers a modern take on the classic amusement arcade, where visitors pay a single admission fee for a timed session and can enjoy unlimited use of every game on site. There are no coins, tokens, prize machines or gambling of any kind.
High Score features more than 60 retro and modern titles, from classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders to racing simulators, basketball shootouts and a giant 3.5m super screen gaming wall. The centre also offers birthday parties, SEN quiet sessions and exclusive hire.
Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see another business choosing to invest in Andover town centre. High Score brings something fresh, fun and family focused to the Chantry Centre, and it’s already clear how much people are enjoying it.”
Nicki Gamblin, Head of Operations at High Score Arcades, added: “We are thrilled to join the Andover community. Our mission is to create a vibrant, family-friendly hub where every visit turns into a lasting memory and every game leads to a magical moment.”
Supporting new businesses and encouraging local enterprise is an important part of Andover’s wider regeneration. Other recent additions to the Chantry Centre include Go Fudge, a family-run business which previously operated from Basepoint and built a strong following through social media, local events such as Taste of Test Valley, and collaborations with other local businesses and charities. Together these new ventures contribute to a more active and vibrant town centre.
The new arcade is High Score’s eighth site, joining locations such as Newbury, Bracknell, Southampton and Swindon. The company works closely with local partners in each area and offers additional support through community raffles, sponsorship, and discounted sessions where possible.
For more information or to book a session, visit www.highscorearcades.co.uk