Andover Catfe on Winchester Street, Andover has been awarded a £1,200 Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
The new café, owned by Stuart Waue, is a place where customers can enjoy a selection of paninis, cakes and drinks in the company of adorable cats. The Andover Catfe was first proposed by Stuart’s son, Jack Waue, at the Youth in Test Valley Awards. This proposal was not the winning bid but attracted substantial interest, so the family decided to pursue it.
The business has taken over the ground floor of 2 Winchester St in Andover town centre which was previously vacant for a number of months.
Stuart said “The Independent Retailer Grant is a great help to get us off the ground and up and running, as we had to do some work to the interior of the shop before we could open the cafe.”
Recipients of the £1,200 grant receive £600 after three months of trading and a further £600 six months later. To be eligible for the grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month. Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants and cafes.
Jennie Pell, principal economic development officer at Test Valley Borough Council, said: “Test Valley Borough Council is delighted to support the Andover Catfe with an Independent Retailer Grant. The Catfe is a unique attraction for the town, offering a lovely relaxing environment with a beautiful and very well-cared for group of cats.”
These funds have become available to the community as a consequence of the council’s prudent investments, financial management and the use of the New Homes Bonus. For more information about the council’s grant schemes, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk
