Test Valley Borough Council has launched a £24m, two-stage tender process to deliver Andover’s new flagship theatre, a key element of the town-centre masterplan. The council is seeking a contractor to provide pre-construction services followed by a 77-week main works package.
The scheme will be built on the former Poundstretcher site on the High Street, which is currently being demolished to clear the way for the new venue. Once complete, the building will become the new home for The Lights, replacing the existing facility.
Around five contractors are expected to be shortlisted and invited to submit full bids, with contract award targeted for May next year. The council has not named the firms at this stage.
Designed by theatre specialist architect Burrell Foley Fischer, the three-storey building will feature a 400-seat main auditorium and a second flexible performance space. Additional facilities include dance studios, meeting rooms and café/bar areas.
The design incorporates careful acoustic separation to allow multiple events to run simultaneously, with total occupancy approaching 1,000 people. Externally, a stone-arched façade takes cues from St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall, framing a new public square that will connect the High Street with Town Mills Riverside Park.
The overall programme is valued at £25m, including £600,000 of professional services and £24.4m of construction costs. The project is supported by £18.3m of government funding.
Council leader Phil North said the theatre is intended to act as a catalyst for economic growth in Andover. He added that the new venue is expected to draw more visitors into the town centre throughout the day and into the evening.
