New Andover theatre plans revealed. Capacity increased, modern design, near Chantry Centre, to open in 2027.
This new venue will be near the Chantry Centre. It will hold up to 1,000 people at once. There’s a main hall and a studio. Plus, it has two dance studios and a cafe.
Bigger shows can happen there, and they hope it draws famous performers. The project has £18.3m from the government. Council leader North and MP Malthouse pushed for it.
North calls it “totally transformational”. The plan came from the Andover Masterplan. Over 4,100 people shared their ideas, and almost 80% wanted a new theater.
North wanted something special and didn’t want a typical theater design. Architects used great materials, and it fits the business plan well.
The increased size lets more folks visit. This can boost the local stores. Malthouse aimed for a first-class theater, and it should also be an Andover landmark.
BFF Architects achieved both goals. Demolition of the old Poundstretcher unit is set, and should start in late spring soon. The council will apply to build in May.
Construction could begin in 2026. The new venue plans to open in 2027. The old Lights theater will stay open and will put on shows until the new one exists.
The new design is pretty inspiring, and brings lots of modern spaces. The main hall has 420 seats now. The old one had only 249.
The hall is bigger with curved design. This makes it feel more intimate for all. There is also a second space with flexible seating. It holds 120 seated or 350 standing guests. Local groups get dance studios with sprung floors and nice views.
Upstairs, meeting rooms will be available to rent. Two cafe-bars will exist at each end. Terraces let people enjoy the warm weather, and shows can happen at the same time. This goes for the event space and classes. The space has solid soundproofing, too.
The venue can host up to 1,000 people. This increased foot traffic is quite helpful and helps the local economy too. The exterior design reflects Andover, and uses the essence of the local area in its concept.
The architects looked to local buildings like St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall. The facade will have curved arches at the ends. Light stone reflects the local streams, and brick and flint elements will exist as well.
Two entrances exist for convenience. One opens onto a new Theatre Square. Plans suggest moving the entryway back, which hopefully creates a welcoming space. The second entry faces Riverside Park. Architects plan to connect the park to the theatre.
Architects met with various groups. Reviewing the design and their needs were key. The groups included staff and disability reps.
The new theater allows easier access. Lifts, aisles, and level seating improve this. Wheelchair spaces on multiple levels will exist. It sits next to a parking garage, and drop-off spots and taxi stands are close by as well.
BFF’s director, Helen Grassly, enjoyed the project. She wanted excellent facilities for everyone, but it had to keep the welcome of The Lights, though. Its design uses the town center site well, and landscape design links to the river.
Paul Marsh from AMTC likes the new theater design, as it removes limits of the old space. It gives chances to grow their productions. The new theater helps greatly improve the town. The council will work with arts community there.