End of January start date for £1.3 million improvements to Andover Town Centre

The scheme will provide new access to Andover’s Town Mills car park to ease access and wider town centre improvements to encourage more cycling and walking.

Delivered in partnership with Andover Vision and Test Valley Borough Council, the project will pave the way towards the total transformation of the Town Mills area with the creation of a picturesque riverside park to showcase the river.
It will also mark the start of the first stage of the borough council’s plan to redevelop the wider town centre.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said: “This improvement supports Test Valley Borough Council’s regeneration plans for Andover Town Centre, and helps meet their ambition to make all the town’s car parks accessible from the ring road, so the town centre becomes a more attractive area for pedestrians and cyclists. We’ve designed this scheme to reduce congestion and improve air quality in the town centre by providing a new access to the Town Mills car park.

“Hampshire County Council has appointed Colas to carry out these works, the first phase of which will begin at the end of this month, and the second phase following on from this in late spring or early Summer. We are keen to actively support our market towns across Hampshire and we are investing capital funds to help them prosper. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption for businesses and residents during the works.”

The scheme will begin on 29 January and last for around 10 weeks.

Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, added: “It is brilliant that the work to deliver the Town Mills riverside park is set to commence as it very much marks the start of our journey to transform the town centre as we know it.
“The river is such a stunning feature in the town and much of the feedback we have received from residents and businesses reflects a desire to really make the most of it. And I am very much in agreement.

“I would like to thank our County Council colleagues for all their support and work on the project so far, and look forward to the public being able to enjoy the brand new riverside park once completed later this year.”

Hampshire County Council will deliver the project and is providing £657,000 of the funding with the remainder provided by contributions of £513,000 from the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership, and £133,000 from Test Valley Borough Council.

The improvements will include:

• A new access provided into the Town Mill car park from the A3057 Western Avenue, which will allow the current access off Bridge Street to be physically closed to  traffic and enhanced to allow access for pedestrians and cyclists;
• The existing footpath through the Pocket Park will be widened and a new path will be constructed through the park from the A3057;
• New benches, will be provided throughout the area to create more seating for people visiting the park;
• The use of York stone paving and other high-quality materials will enhance the area adjacent to the River Anton and the footpath adjacent to the river will be widened.

For more information visit: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/andovertownmill

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