Andover New Theatre

The landscape vision aims to create a series of interconnected green spaces that seamlessly bridge the gap between Andover’s town centre, the Town Mills Park, and the future Western Avenue Park. Prioritising biodiversity and green connections, these spaces will foster ecological resilience and enhance the natural environment. The design will promote an uplifting and rejuvenating atmosphere, providing a regenerative environment for both nature and the community. By integrating greenery and public spaces, the project seeks to harmonise urban life with nature, offering a vibrant, sustainable link between key areas of the town.

A Natural Connection.

Aerial photograph of the existing site, looking east over Town Mills Riverside Park towards Andover Guildhall.

Andover's new theatre and performance venue will provide capacity for up to 1000 people and will be located in the heart of the town on the site of a now-vacant supermarket unit.

The name Andover has roots in Old English and dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The etymology of Andover likely derives from a combination of two Old English elements:

“Ande”: This is believed to have been an ancient river name, possibly derived from the Celtic word ando, meaning “ash tree” or “ash wood.” In this case, it would refer to a region characterised by ash trees near a river.

“Over”: The second part, over, comes from the Old English word ōfer, meaning “bank” or “slope.” This was commonly used in place names to indicate a settlement near the bank of a river.

Thus, Andover likely means “the ash trees near the riverbank” or “the riverbank near the ash trees.”

The landscape vision and concept is both an aesthetic approach as well as a regenerative one, drawing inspiration from the origins of Andover.

The landscape framework creates an interconnected network of green spaces that reconnects Andover town centre with its natural heritage, linking the town centre, Town Mills Riverside Park, and future Western Avenue Park into a continuous green corridor that prioritises biodiversity and ecological resilience.

The landscape framework reorients the town centre toward the River Anton and parks, with the New Theatre serving as a cultural catalyst that transforms Waterloo Court into a vital link between urban and natural environments. 

These spaces enhance residents' well-being while providing crucial climate change infrastructure.

Waterloo Passage 

Creates a transition zone between Theatre Square and Theatre Garden, featuring Yorkstone paving that extends the town centre palette towards green spaces. New seating, planting, and thoughtful lighting create a welcoming, safe corridor. Theatre façade glazing animates the space, whilst 22 cycle stands (14 covered) provide practical amenities.