Plans for a brand-new theatre venue for The Lights in Andover have officially been given the green light, with planning consent granted by Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday night (30 October).
The new three-storey venue will feature a state-of-the-art auditorium seating more than 400 people, almost doubling the capacity of the current theatre. It will also include a flexible secondary event space, dance studios, and meeting rooms for public hire, alongside café and bar areas at either end of the building. Outdoor terraces will provide pleasant social spots during warmer months.
The Lights currently hosts a packed schedule of performances and community events, and its growing popularity has created demand for larger, more versatile facilities. The new venue will allow multiple performances, classes and events to run simultaneously — thanks to enhanced soundproofing and a flexible design capable of welcoming up to 1,000 visitors at full occupancy.
The project has been designed by specialist theatre architects Burrell Foley Fischer, whose plans blend modern performance spaces with Andover’s historic character. The new building will feature stone arches inspired by St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall, crafted from light stone, pale brick, natural flint, and bronze detailing, echoing the town’s chalk stream landscape.
A Cultural Landmark for Andover
Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said:
“This is a landmark moment for Andover. The new theatre will be a place to celebrate creativity and community – and a catalyst for economic growth. It’s a key part of our wider regeneration plans and will help bring more people into the town centre, day and night.”
Helen Grassly, Director at Burrell Foley Fischer, added:
“The designs will deliver technically excellent facilities for both professional and community users, while recreating the intimacy of the existing theatre. Our new building makes the most of the town-centre site, with visible activity on all three public façades, a landscape design linking the High Street and the River Anton, and a new public square providing a focal point for community events.”
The building will include accessible seating on all levels, energy-efficient design features, and two main entrances – one from the High Street and another facing Town Mills Riverside Park. A new public square will also be created between the theatre and the library.
Demolition of the former Poundstretcher unit, approved earlier this year, is already underway to prepare the site.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the new venue opening in late 2027 or early 2028. The current Lights theatre will continue operating as normal during this period.
The £18.3 million project forms part of the Andover Masterplan, funded through central government’s regeneration programme, and follows strong local support – with nearly 80% of residents backing the need for a modern town-centre theatre.
For full details and design visuals, visit www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk/theatre.
