THE plan to create a ‘successful and vibrant’ Andover town centre has taken a step forward.

Test Valley Council has taken its first steps towards redeveloping the centre by inviting contractors to apply for the opportunity to prepare a masterplan for the area.

As part of the tender, the council has published a brief on its website, which sets out its major ambitions for Andover.

The briefing looks at the housing and population growth in and around Andover as well as the town’s close proximity to London and major highway network, and the potential this brings.

It also highlights the “once in a generation opportunity” for the authority to deliver a thriving, destination town by linking the High Street, Chantry Centre and proposed Cultural Quarter, in order to deliver a successful and vibrant town centre that meets the needs of its communities now and into the future.

The council is inviting tenders from contractors who can “engage and communicate with the local community and other interested parties, to develop their aspirations and turn them into a deliverable masterplan”.

The authority has made clear that it is committed to undertaking extensive public consultation as part of the masterplan process.

The invitation to tender will close on May 24, after this date the council will review all bids before shortlisting for interview. They hope to appoint a successful contractor in early summer.