Plans for a brand-new theatre at the heart of Andover have taken a significant step forward, as Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has officially submitted a planning application for the long-awaited replacement for The Lights.
The new venue will be built on the site of the former Poundstretcher unit at the entrance to the Chantry Centre, directly opposite the historic Guildhall. Designed by renowned theatre architects Burrell Foley Fischer, the three-storey building will feature a 400-seat multi-level auditorium – almost doubling the capacity of the current theatre – alongside a flexible performance space, dance studios, meeting rooms, and vibrant café and bar areas with outdoor terraces.
Councillor Phil North, Leader of TVBC, said:
“This is a significant step in our vision to transform Andover into a thriving, dynamic town centre. The new theatre will not only provide a state-of-the-art venue for the arts but will also act as a catalyst for economic growth and create a place the whole community can be proud of.”
The theatre will offer inclusive design features, including accessible seating across multiple levels, and has been planned with environmental sustainability in mind. It will also introduce ‘Theatre Square’, a welcoming new public space linking the High Street and Town Mills Riverside Park, with improved landscaping, planting, and seating for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Demolition of the existing Poundstretcher unit is expected to begin later this year, with construction starting in 2026. The new theatre is set to open in late 2027 or early 2028, supported by £18.3 million of central government funding as part of the Andover Masterplan.
Residents can view the full proposals and follow the project’s progress at Think Andover Town Centre.
