Planning approval has been granted for a new riverside park, located near Western Avenue in Andover. This development forms part of Test Valley Borough Council’s wider town centre masterplan, transforming a previously hidden stretch of the River Anton into an ecologically rich public space whilst also improving connectivity through the town. The 2.93-hectare site is framed by Western Avenue and West Street and includes both road infrastructure and natural river corridor.
The scheme proposes the creation of a naturalised river channel, improved cycle and pedestrian routes, a viewing platform, central square, and play spaces, all set within beautiful landscaping. Alongside this, Western Avenue will be reconfigured into a typical two-lane (rather than four-lane) carriageway while West Street will become a two-way cul-de-sac with turning space. These changes are intended to create safer, more accessible links between the town centre and surrounding areas, whilst enhancing the ecological and recreational value of the park.
MEC was instructed to deliver a range of technical services, including air quality, lighting, flood risk and drainage, and geo-environmental assessments, along with an underground utilities survey, undertaken by our geomatics team.
Our Air Quality team modelled the effects of the proposed road reconfiguration on nearby residential receptors, using 2023 monitoring data and traffic projections for 2040. Nitrogen dioxide, PM10, and PM2.5 were all tested under “do-nothing” and “do-something” scenarios. The results confirmed pollutant levels would remain well below national objectives, with changes of less than 1µg/m³. Even in the most exposed locations, impacts were classified as negligible, and no exceedances of annual or hourly objectives were predicted.
The Lighting assessment balanced community safety with ecological protection along the River Anton. Following feedback from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, original bollard-heavy proposals were revised to include DW Windsor Daytona lighting columns and Garda handrail lighting. These luminaires allow colour temperatures to adjust from 3000k at peak evening hours down to 2200k overnight, providing safe, welcoming routes for pedestrians and cyclists while avoiding disruption to bat commuting corridors. Modelling confirmed lux levels along sensitive habitats remained below 0.4 vertically and 0.2 horizontally, with sky glow measured at just 1.0%, well within Institute of Lighting Professionals thresholds.
Our Flood Risk and Drainage team reviewed the River Anton corridor and wider site topography. The site was confirmed to sit within Flood Zone 1, at low risk of fluvial flooding. Localised surface water issues were considered, with drainage strategies designed to accommodate reconfigured road alignments and enhanced greenspace. Sustainable drainage measures were identified as viable, helping to attenuate flows and safeguard the natural river restoration objectives of the scheme.
The Geo-Environmental team undertook assessments to understand ground conditions and contamination potential. Investigations highlighted made ground associated with existing infrastructure, alongside naturally variable soils across the site. Overall contamination risk was assessed as low to moderate, with only localised remediation expected. The findings informed both foundation considerations and drainage design, ensuring the scheme progressed on a robust and environmentally sound approach.
The project required careful navigation of multiple environmental and technical factors. Concerns from local residents and consultees about noise and air quality impacts from altered traffic flows were addressed through detailed modelling, which confirmed negligible changes. Lighting needed to reconcile two competing priorities: creating a safe, usable public space while preserving the river corridor for wildlife. By adopting adaptable fittings and layering light sources, the scheme achieved this balance.
Surface water management presented a further challenge, particularly in integrating drainage solutions with the reinstated river corridor and reconfigured road network. Through early technical engagement, sustainable strategies were developed that supported both flood resilience and ecological enhancement.
We are delighted that with this approach, the scheme was approved, underpinning Test Valley Borough Council’s vision for both the riverside park and the wider regeneration of Andover town centre.
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