Andover could see a new town centre bar following submission of a planning application for a Change of Use of the former NatWest Bank into a "Bar/Drinking Establishment". The building has been empty since the bank closed in 2024.
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| 9 Bridge Street, Andover |
The Bullion Bar
The proposals for 'The Bullion Bar' apply to the ground floor and for pavement tables outside. It is for a relatively small 'wet-led' bar, being drinks only and with no cooking on the premises. The building has recently been refurbished with a tasteful exterior as befits the Conservation Area. On the floors above there are flats which have their own separate entrance.
Licence
A licence application has also been submitted for the sale of alcohol from 11.00am until 11.00pm Sunday to Wednesday, to midnight on Thursdays, and until 2.00am on Fridays and Saturdays. Live and recorded music has been applied for on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Town Regeneration
Andover centre like many towns has suffered from business closures and such a new venture would help bring people into the town, If approved it will hopefully not suffer the same as the Powder Monkey at the Guildhall which was not given enough time to become established before its owner's closed the doors. Andover needs more leisure/hospitality to draw in people to the town.
With the development of the new park by the river, and the building of the new theatre, this should be a welcome addition to support the regeneration of the town centre.
The application (ref: 26/01484/FULLN)can be see on Test Valley Borough Council's planning site where support and other comment can also be submitted.
