Pictures of Andover's new theatre revealed
Architects have released the pictures of the theatre's design
Last updated 21st Feb 2025
Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has unveiled the plans for the town’s new theatre and performance venue, which will be located in the centre of the town, providing capacity for up to 1000 people.
The council has been working closely with specialist architects Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF), and a host of technical experts, to develop a design that retains the spirit of The Lights whilst providing a range of multipurpose modern facilities.
The main auditorium will provide 420 seats, an increase from the 249 available at the current theatre. Whilst larger in size and with bigger seats and more leg room in each row, the architects have designed the auditorium in a curved shape to create an intimate space for both audience members and performers.
The new venue will also feature a second event space which can be used flexibly to accommodate 120 seated to 350 standing, with retractable seating and a pop-up stage for music and comedy gigs and room for sit-down banquets.
One of the differences between the new venue and The Lights will be the ability to run shows and events in both the auditorium and second event space simultaneously, as well as operating classes and meetings in other locations around the building. Quality sound proofing and an enhanced design will mean the venue can run at full occupancy.
At full capacity the venue will accommodate just under 1000 people, which its expected will boost the number of people coming into the town centre.
In addition to the internal facilities the architects have put a lot of thought into the exterior of the building, capturing the essence of Andover, its history and natural environment throughout the design and materials. Taking inspiration from two core public buildings in the town, St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall, as well as considering the inner happenings of the theatre, in terms of movement, patterns and rhythm, the façade will feature carefully structured curved arches at the either end. The building will be made from light coloured stone, to reflect the local chalk stream, with pale brick and elements of natural flint and bronze.
There will be two separate entrances, the first coming straight off of the High Street which will lead onto a newly created Theatre Square. The proposals detail moving the entrance of the Chantry Centre back, to create an open and welcoming space in front of the cultural venue.
The second entrance will be located opposite Town Mills Riverside Park, where the architects plan to seamlessly connect the theatre with the leafy green backdrop behind. This area will come alive with greenery, to compliment the chalk stream-friendly plants already established in the park.
Over the past few weeks the architects have met with many key groups to review the plans and hear their thoughts about how they want to use the new space. This has included regular hirers, staff operating the technical aspects of the theatre and organisations representing disability groups.
The theatre will also be located directly next to the multistorey car park which will provide disabled parking bays. There will be a drop-off point and taxi ranks available directly outside the theatre next to Riverside Park.
Transformational
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North said: “We’re now on the cusp of delivering something totally transformational for the town. We only get one shot at this and it’s my view we didn’t want to settle for an identikit theatre, we wanted to create a new public building that local people can be proud of for generations to come. I think the architects have done a fabulous job delivering on that aspiration by using high quality materials and ensuring the specification fits the business plan.
“With increased capacity we have a real opportunity to bring so many more people into the town and support the local economy. I encourage everyone to have a look at the designs online or pop into town to meet with the project team and find out more. These are very exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to see the designs come to life.”
Architects
Helen Grassly, Director of BFF said: “It has been a real pleasure developing the design for the new theatre with the teams at The Lights and TVBC. We have been tasked with delivering something technically excellent with high quality facilities for both professional and community users, while keeping the warm welcome and intimacy of the existing Lights. Our new building makes the most of the town centre site, with visible activity on the three public facades and a landscape design linking the High Street and the river Anton.”
2027
A planning application to demolish the former Poundstretcher unit, where the theatre will be located, was approved last month and TVBC is currently tendering for a contractor to start demolition in late spring. The council will submit an application to build the new theatre in May, with a view to beginning construction in 2026. Audiences can then look forward to the new venue openings its doors in 2027.
Drop-in
The plans are now available to view at www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk and will soon be on display in the Lights arena and former O2 unit inside the Chantry Centre.
There will be some upcoming drop-in sessions for members of the public to visit the former O2 unit and meet the project team to find out more about the plans, these sessions will take place on:
Thursday 27 February 2pm to 7pm
Saturday 1 March 10am to 1pm.