A PLAN to transform a historic building in Andover into seven supported living units, along with the creation of a community hub, has been proposed.
The plan, put forward by Anglomile Investments, seeks to breathe new life into Wykeham House, which has remained derelict for several years.
The application outlines a plan to convert the Western Road building, dating back to the early 1900s, into supported living units.
These units will cater specifically for individuals with disabilities, with three of the seven units designed to be fully wheelchair accessible, promoting independent living for residents with disabilities.
READ MORE: From girls school to Conservative club: The fascinating history of Andover's Wykeham House
The plans also include a two-storey side extension and a single-storey extension to the front of the building to accommodate the community hub.
In addition to the residential units, the proposed community hub will offer a vital space for people with disabilities, ensuring access to essential amenities and services.
External works are also planned to provide level access and enhance the surrounding area.
The building has a rich history, it dates back to around the 1900s. It was built as a house for a family however, a few years on from the building being built, it was sold to a Miss Amy Elizabeth Reynolds, who ran a school on the site for a number of years.
The building was bought in 1937 and became the Andover and District Conservative Club.
The Conservative Club then became the Wykeham Club which later closed its doors in April of 2014.
Since then, the site has seen limited use and has fallen into disrepair, with much of the interior damaged due to break-ins.
In 2019, planning permission was granted for the construction of eight dwellings on the adjacent land facing Osbourne Road. These houses have since been built, but the main building has remained unused.
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Previous applications for the site included proposals for conversion into a medical surgery and pharmacy, which were never realised.
The proposal said the current application aims to restore the building, preserving its historical significance while adapting it to meet modern needs.
To read more about the proposal, search with reference number 24/01715/FULLN on Test Valley Borough Council's planning application portal.
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