A new family-friendly arcade has opened in the Chantry Centre, adding to the growing mix of activities available in Andover town centre.
High Score Arcades has taken a five-year lease on units 16–18 and officially opened its doors on Saturday 7 March. The launch event proved a hit with visitors, with world-famous gaming brothers Mario and Luigi on hand to greet fans and join in with the action.
The arcade offers a modern twist on the traditional amusement experience. Instead of coins or tokens, visitors pay a single admission fee for a timed session and can enjoy unlimited use of every game on site. There are no prize machines, gambling games or hidden costs, making the experience simple and accessible for families and players of all ages.
Inside, High Score features more than 60 retro and modern titles. Visitors can try their hand at classic favourites such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders, alongside racing simulators, basketball shootouts and a giant 3.5-metre super-screen gaming wall. The venue also caters for birthday parties, exclusive hire and SEN quiet sessions designed to create a more relaxed environment.
Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, welcomed the new addition to the town centre.
“It’s wonderful to see another business choosing to invest in Andover town centre,” he said. “High Score brings something fresh, fun and family focused to the Chantry Centre, and it’s already clear how much people are enjoying it.”
Councillor Iris Andersen, Test Valley Borough Council representative for the St Mary’s ward, also praised the new attraction.
“This is absolutely fantastic for all generations and it will bring footfall into Andover,” she said. “I am amazed by the amount of games that are in here. I can’t wait to use the skiing one. It is really great for the town.”
Andover Town Mayor Heather Neate added: “It is very important and great to see that we have a new business in Andover. It is a pleasure to see Andover grow.”
Nicki Gamblin, Head of Operations at High Score Arcades, said the team had been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from the local community.
“We are absolutely blown away by the reception Andover has given us,” she said. “Seeing our new branch at the Chantry Centre completely sold out for its opening weekend is a testament to the incredible buzz we felt leading up to the launch.
“It was magical to see so many new faces alongside our loyal customers, all diving into our ‘Free-Play’ experience. Seeing Mario and Luigi greeting customers as they took advantage of our launch weekend offer really set the tone for the kind of carefree, inclusive fun we strive to provide.
“We want to give families, couples and individuals the opportunity to play together and enjoy a fun hour or 90 minutes. We’ve officially levelled up in Andover, and we can’t wait to continue creating these memories for the community.”
The opening also forms part of wider efforts to encourage local enterprise and revitalise the town centre. Other recent additions to the Chantry Centre include Go Fudge, a family-run business that previously operated from Basepoint and built a strong following through social media, local events such as Taste of Test Valley, and collaborations with local businesses and charities.
High Score Arcades’ Andover venue is the company’s eighth site, joining locations including Bracknell, Southampton and Swindon. The business works closely with local partners and supports communities through raffles, sponsorship and discounted sessions where possible.
For more information or to book a session, visit www.highscorearcades.co.uk.