Renowned architects assigned for building the upcoming theatre
New £18.3 Million Andover Theatre Set to Revitalize Town
Andover is set to receive a significant cultural boost with the construction of a new theatre, designed by specialist theatre architects Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF). The project, funded by the Levelling Up Fund, aims to revitalize the town's economy and serve as a hub for creativity and collaboration.
The three-storey venue, scheduled to commence construction in 2025 and complete in 2026, will be located in the heart of Andover, integrated with the High Street and River Anton. It will feature a state-of-the-art multi-level auditorium, modern, flexible spaces, and a new public square.
BFF was appointed by Test Valley Borough Council following a competitive selection process, with Councillor Phil North commenting that the local authority was extremely impressed with their previous work. Notably, BFF's remodelling of the Hall for Cornwall, Truro, was described as 'brilliantly reimagined' by the world-famous lyricist Sir Tim Rice.
The design emphasizes accessibility, community engagement, and integration with the town centre. The new theatre will replace a former Poundstretcher Unit, located at the entrance to the Chantry Centre. The project is expected to boost local businesses and attract more visitors to the town centre for both daytime and evening activities.
The planning application for the new theatre is expected later this year, with public consultation having already influenced the design to meet local aspirations. The project is viewed by local leadership as a transformative initiative that can become an enduring icon for Andover, fostering inclusivity and economic growth.
The new theatre design will be representative of the area and its history, providing a contemporary building for The Lights to expand their cultural and community offer. The Lights, Andover's arts and entertainment venue, will find a new home in the theatre, offering a variety of high-quality, larger performance spaces.
Andover was awarded £18.3m from round three of the government's levelling up fund to accelerate two priority regeneration projects in the town. BFF will work with Test Valley Borough Council to develop designs that contribute to the regeneration of the town centre.
Cllr North also stated that BFF's energy and enthusiasm to be a part of the project and help transform Andover town centre will make for an exciting collaboration. The new theatre, once completed, will serve as a new home for The Lights and will feature a state-of-the-art auditorium for various events and creative classes, open to all without barriers to attendance or participation.
[1] Andover Advertiser
[2] BBC News
[3] Test Valley Borough Council
- The new theatre, a hub for creativity and collaboration, is set to revitalize the local community in Andover, with its construction scheduled to start in 2025.
- The town's regeneration includes a focus on home and garden, as the new theatre's design will be representative of the area and its history, providing a contemporary building for The Lights to expand their cultural and community offer.
- With the new theatre attracting more visitors to the town centre, local businesses may benefit from the increase in foot traffic, potentially altering the town's lifestyle, and fashion-and-beauty shops may see growth in consumer patronage.
