As part of the consultation for the renewal of the Andover Vision initiative in 2016/17, many of the 4,000 respondents were keen to see more made of the River Anton in the heart of the town centre. 

 

Residents said that they wanted it to become somewhere people could stay, play, picnic and enjoy the river. 

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Following consultation on ideas for improve the area, the public were keen on the scheme being much more ambitious. If we could make the area greener, why not take it a step further, and create a new park that was closed to traffic? 

 

Taking these views on board, Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council then launched a joint project with new proposals that would see a new entrance created off Western Avenue into the existing car park, the existing access road closed to traffic and a new riverside park created. 

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initial feasibility for the scheme was investigated to establish what was possible and what was best for the area.  Detailed designs were then drawn up showing how the new entrance would work along with the new park.  The area will become a picturesque park that will not only showcase the river, but will incorporate a new shared cycle and footpath and a brand new boardwalk, that will connect people to the river in a new way. 

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The project is being funded by developer contributions, Hampshire County Councils Market Town Fund and Test Valley Borough Council. The project received a further boost, with £500,000 funding from the EM3 LEP. 

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The project is well underway and works are due to start in early 2020. 

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Find out more:

Map of the area

Artist's impressions

Project Timeline

Planning application - Ref. no 19/01263/FULLN

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