This month I wanted to address a couple of items that are regularly raised by members of the community. 

Scaffolding

The scaffolding at the bottom of the High Street has sparked significant debate and frustration over the last two years. We were aware that after planning permission was granted in January, about 10 conditions needed to be fulfilled.  Earlier this year, I mentioned that work would start in April or May and be completed by July. We were informed that everything was in place, but then the contractor, acting as the intermediary with Ladbrokes, went silent.

I began making regular attempts to get updates and kept senior members of the Test Valley Borough Council Management Team informed. I also looked into other ways to contact the relevant people at Entain, the owners of Ladbrokes, to ensure the project moved forward quickly and the scaffolding could be removed.

In July, I finally heard back from the head of building surveying at Entain, who acknowledged the frustration and promised to oversee the project personally. He stated that a contractor would be appointed within the month through a competitive tender process, after which a construction phase of approximately 12 weeks was anticipated. The scaffolding is necessary to keep the building facia from falling down, but the plan is to complete the external work first so that the scaffolding can be taken down as soon as possible.

I am currently working with TVBC and their legal department to keep the pressure on to get a resolution and trying to get a definitive start date for the work and will provide an update once I have more information.

Empty Shops

As BID manager, one of my main roles is to work with stakeholders to fill empty units in the town centre. I spend a good deal of my time bringing together the relevant parties to address long-standing vacancies. In some cases, leases are still in effect and landlords continue to receive rent, giving them little incentive to fill these spaces, even though the units are empty.  I am aware that TVBC are exploring options to use legislation to fill empty shops, in line with Government policy.

I am having promising discussions with landlords of vacant buildings, their agents, and companies interested in opening businesses in Andover. The most advanced discussions are about No.5 The High Street, previously occupied by Barclays Bank.

Bringing new businesses into the town requires persistence, patience, and cooperation. Despite our best efforts, not all negotiations will succeed. However, the BID and TVBC are working together effectively, sharing legal and practical advice, and asking important questions to facilitate the process. It is up to all of us to support existing local businesses and welcome any new shops that open.

I hope that you will see we are working hard for the town and if you require any specific information do contact me and I will do my best to let you know what is happening.