Charlton plans new padel courts and surfaced walking route

The upgrades are part of a wider investment by Test Valley Borough Council to promote healthier living in Andover by making it easier for residents to stay active.

The route will make it easier and more accessible for people to walk around the park. (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)

Cllr Terese Swain, portfolio holder for community, leisure and tourism, said: "Being active is one of the best ways people can look after their physical and mental wellbeing.

"By investing in places like Charlton, we can make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to build activity into their everyday lives.

"Whether that’s playing sport, joining Parkrun or simply going for a walk, we want people to have opportunities to get active in ways that work for them."

A new surfaced route around the park is nearly finished and is expected to open later this autumn.

It will improve accessibility for walkers and enhance the current Parkrun course.

Work is nearing completion to create a new surfaced route around the park. (Image: Test Valley Borough Council)

Plans are also in place to resurface the 3G pitch at Charlton Leisure Centre, with funding support from the Football Foundation.

This project includes new fencing and upgraded floodlighting.

At Charlton Athletics Track, there are proposals to replace existing floodlights with LED lighting that will cover both the track and the central football pitch/athletics field.

Both the 3G pitch and floodlight upgrades are subject to planning permission.

At Andover Community Sports, the introduction of padel courts operated by Portway Padel will add a new activity to the site.

These courts will replace the old tennis and netball courts, as well as the skate park, all of which are no longer usable.

Padel is a rapidly growing sport, with the Lawn Tennis Association reporting in October 2026 that 1.5 million adults and juniors are now playing across 682 venues in the UK.

Cllr Linda Lashbrook, councillor for the Charlton and the Pentons ward, said: "There’s a lot happening at Charlton.

"These projects represent significant investment in facilities used by the community.

"By investing in Charlton and working with our partners, we're creating more opportunities for people to be active and helping our communities live healthier lives.

"We want people to have good-quality places and facilities on their doorstep that help them stay active, connect with others, and enjoy where they live."

The council said the plans will give residents more choice in how they get active, while improving existing facilities and making Charlton more accessible.