MAJOR plans for a new theatre in Andover have taken a step forward, with a planning application expected to be submitted later this year.

Test Valley Borough Council has appointed national architects Burrel Foley Fischer (BFF) for the scheme and will be working closely with other local and national businesses on the project.

An application for the scheme is expected later this year, and demolition and construction starting in 2025, ahead of completion in 2026 and opening in early 2027. 

Burrell Foley Fischer has successfully delivered a variety of performing arts venues both across the country and internationally, including Winchester Theatre Royal, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth and The Point Eastleigh.

READ MORE: £3.7m put towards major plans to build new theatre to accelerate regeneration

Aidan Ridyard and Helen Grassly of BFF, Cllr Phil North and Kit Mathouse MP (Image: Test Valley Borough Council) It has recently completed remodelling of the Hall for Cornwall, Truro, was described as “brilliantly reimagined” by the world-famous lyricist Sir Tim Rice.

The team will now focus their expertise on developing Andover’s new theatre.

The appointment is the result of Andover being awarded £18.3m from round three of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to accelerate two priority regeneration projects in the town.   

The new venue will be ‘truly transformational for Andover’, supporting local businesses, bringing communities together and developing the evening economy.  

SEE MORE: Borough council awarded £18.3m to build new theatre and cultural hub in Andover

Computer generated image of how Andover could look (Image: Test Valley Borough Council) The scheme will see the former Poundstretcher Unit, located at the entrance to the Chantry Centre, demolished before a new theatre constructed in its place.

The venue is set to become a new home for The Lights and will feature a state-of the-art auditorium and modern spaces to host a variety of events and creative classes. 

As set out in the Andover Masterplan, which was adopted by the council in 2020, the theatre will benefit from being positioned in a prime location with Andover bus station and the Chantry Centre car park just a short walk away and Town Mills Riverside Park providing a charming back garden for audiences to enjoy during the warmer months. 

BFF will now be working closely with the council and local stakeholders to set the scene for the new venue and begin to draw up concept designs, which will respond to the needs of the community whilst being sympathetic to the identity of Andover’s historical core. 

READ ALSO: Council approves funding package to accelerate the regeneration of Andover

Leader of the council, Cllr Phil North said: “We are delighted to have awarded this contract to BFF. As part of deciding who to appoint, a panel of key stakeholders, including representatives from Andover BID, Andover Town Council, Test Valley Arts Foundation and Borough Councillors were involved. We were so impressed with the quality of proposals that we saw through the procurement process. BFF in particular shone out for the quality of their work and extensive expertise in the cultural sector. 

“Their energy and enthusiasm to be a part of this project and to help transform Andover town centre will make for an exciting collaboration and we look forward to working with them to bring a new theatre to Andover as we spend the Levelling Up money that the Council, supported by Kit Malthouse MP, was able to secure.”  

Helen Grassly, director at Burrell Foley Fischer said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to design the new theatre for Andover and the surrounding area. Our expert team will support The Lights to plan a variety of high quality, larger performance spaces. 

“Today modern theatres are also venues for the entire community, open to all, and without barriers to attendance or participation and we look forward to working with Test Valley Borough Council to develop designs that contribute to the regeneration of the town centre and, whilst representative of the area and its history, provide a contemporary building for the Lights to expand their cultural and community offer.”  

More information about the theatre and masterplan project can be found at thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk.