Council asks permission to demolish Andover building

Test Valley Borough Council has submitted a planning application to demolish the former Poundstretcher unit at the entrance of the Chantry Centre before the new building is constructed in its place.

Set to become a new home for The Lights, the multi-purpose theatre and cultural hub will feature a state-of-the-art auditorium, as well as modern spaces to host a variety of events and creative classes.

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The project will be funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund, which awarded Andover £18.3m to accelerate two priority regeneration projects in the town.

Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, the application is estimated to take approximately eight weeks to process, with construction set to start in late spring 2025 if approval is granted.

Once the demolition application has been processed, the council will submit a separate application next year to construct the new theatre.

Earlier this year, in July, TVBC appointed national architects Burrel Foley Fischer for the scheme.

The company is responsible for delivering performing arts venues across the UK, and internationally, including Winchester Theatre Royal, New Theatre Royal Portsmouth, The Point Eastleigh and more.

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Leader of the council, Cllr Phil North said: “This is a major step forward in bringing a new theatre to Andover and delivering on the aspirations of the community.

"Next year we should see some major developments underway with the demolition of the existing unit.  

“Since appointing national architects Burrell Foley Fischer earlier this year, we have been working closely with them to develop designs for the new venue and look forward to being able to share more about this in the new year."

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