Decision clears way for new riverside park in Andover town centre
Work to create a new riverside park in Andover town centre has taken a significant step forward after the Secretary of State for Transport gave approval for changes to be made to Western Avenue to facilitate the scheme.
The decision follows an independent inquiry held in public earlier this year. The inquiry was required as part of the statutory process after a handful of objections were received to the proposed highway changes. It considered whether changes to the existing highway network, including the 'stopping up’ of the eastern arm of Western Avenue and the introduction of two-way traffic on West Street, were necessary to enable the approved development to go ahead.
In reaching a decision, the Secretary of State agreed with the independent inspector that the highway changes are necessary to deliver the approved development. The decision highlights the benefits the project will bring, including a new riverside park, improved walking and cycling routes, better connections across the town centre, and opportunities to support health, wellbeing and active travel.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: "The Secretary of State's decision means we can move forward with an important project that will open up the River Anton, create new green space and improve connections across the town centre, including with the new theatre.
"The public inquiry provided an opportunity for concerns to be independently considered as part of a fair and transparent process, and we welcome the outcome.
"This project reflects the aspirations residents helped shape through Andover Vision and the masterplan process and will play an important role in the future of our town centre – boosting footfall.”
The riverside park will transform part of Western Avenue into a new public space alongside the River Anton, creating improved links between the town centre, Town Mills riverside park and the western side of Andover. The project forms part of the wider regeneration programme designed to create a more connected and attractive town centre while supporting investment and economic activity and is part-funded by the £18.3m awarded by the UK Government to Test Valley Borough Council to regenerate Andover town centre.
For more information about the project, please visit: https://www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk/western-avenue