[ad_1]
Test Valley Borough Council has announced a new mural project for Andover’s Chantry Street.
It will replace the deteriorating artwork by local artist Hendog in the Chantry Centre service yard, which has suffered damage from damp.
Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “Public art brings life and personality to our town centres.
“This commission is about more than replacing a damaged artwork – it’s about creating something new that reflects Andover’s story and gives young people a chance to shape the place they call home.
“We’d love to see talented artists come forward to reimagine this stretch of wall.”
The new mural will be created through a youth-centred collaboration.
The council will work with young people from four local organisations: Yellow Brick Road Projects, Koala, Andover Young Carers, and Breakout Youth.
A planning application will be submitted once an artist has been appointed.
The project forms part of a wider programme to enliven underused spaces such as alleyways, underpasses, car parks, and pedestrian walkways throughout the town.
Councillor Iris Andersen, who represents St Mary’s Ward, said: “I care deeply about making our town centre welcoming and inclusive by listening and responding to the needs of our community, and this project reflects that commitment.
“For this pilot project, we’re giving young people the chance to express themselves through art, which I’m thrilled about.
“I’m excited to see this come to fruition – it’s a fantastic opportunity to build on the legacy of the Hendog artwork, giving a voice to our young people and creating something that will inspire and involve our community for years to come.”
Public art is a growing feature of Andover’s urban identity, and this new commission aims to expand that presence while involving the next generation in the creative process.
The council hopes the mural will not only brighten Chantry Street but also create a more inviting route into the town centre, boosting footfall and reflecting the character of Andover.
The original Hendog artwork, though much-loved, had deteriorated more quickly than expected.
The council has promised to resolve the underlying damp issues before installing the new mural to ensure its longevity.
The commission has been advertised through both local and national artist networks.
The deadline for applications is December 15, 2025.
Designers are invited to submit proposals and can find full details at testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/artsandculture/publicart/public-art-commission-brief-chantry-street-andover or by contacting Rebecca Maddox, cultural events curator, at rmaddox@testvalley.gov.uk.
Lisa Hall, youth worker lead at Breakout Youth, said the project means a great deal to the young people involved.
Ms Hall said: “Our young people think this is a great opportunity for them to be able to express themselves through something they feel very comfortable with, art.”
The council also noted that more public art projects will be developed across other sites in Andover, giving additional groups opportunities to collaborate with artists.
These future projects aim to create a network of engaging, community-inspired art that will help transform overlooked areas into vibrant and welcoming parts of the town.
The commission is part of Test Valley Borough Council’s broader efforts to enhance Andover’s public realm and build community pride through creative placemaking.
By involving young people in the design and creation process, the council hopes to ensure that the artwork will be meaningful, relevant, and reflective of Andover’s collective identity.
Councillors say the Chantry Street mural is just the beginning of a larger vision for art-led regeneration across the town.
[ad_2]
Source link
