Six changes planned to spruce up Andover

Andover Town Council (ATC) has published its draft design statement that, if adopted, could help determine future planning applications in the area.

Created by consultants Portus and Whitton, the statement proposes "at a more detailed level" how the "central core of the conservation area" could look in the future.

Residents and businesses can give suggestions on the proposals in the first of two six-week consultations.

After it closes on February 26, comments will help shape a revised statement that will be put to second public consultation.

Here are 10 of the main changes that have been suggested. All photos are provided by ATC.

1. Benches

ATC wants to change the old benches alongside the river on Bridge Street, those along the High Street etc. The plan is to replace those with metallic structures that provide robust and durable seating.

Existing benches

Proposed benches

2. Bins

ATC has found that there are a minimum of four different litter bin styles in Andover. The majority of the bins are not segregated and appeared to be for general waste only. These will be replaced by new bins that have black metallic motif.

Existing bins

Proposed bins

3. Public Toliet

In addition to the public toilets near The Chantry Centre car park and bus station, ATC wants to build a new public toilet to the southern end of the High Street. The toilet will be built to not block The Guildhall.

Proposed toilet

4. Public Art

ATC acknowledges that the conservation area already has good quality public art. The plan is to build two new pieces of public art. The first is an ‘empty plinth’, like the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. The second is a Victorian style street clock, that would act as an additional landmark along Bridge Street, at the intersection with the road to the Town Mills. Furthermore, ATC also wants to involve local artists and groups in such projects.

Existing public art works

Proposed public art works

5. Bin storage

ATC plans to create a series of open-top timber structures to cover bins of shops in Andover.

Existing bin storage design

Proposed bin storage design

6. Andover Market

The colour theme and structure of Andover Market will be changed, according to the proposal. Currently, stallholders are invited to bring their own gazebos, marquees, covers and tables. In future, a single market stall covering will be used. ATC believes matching gazebos, marquees and covers will help to create a coherent and attractive market.

Existing market

Proposed market

Besides these chanes, there are more changes suggested by the ATC. You can see the draft statement, as well as the form to enter your comments, here.