Valley Leisure Ltd secures a 12-year lease for the old Wilko’s building and looks to rebrand its Riverside Bowl operation in support of revitalising Andover town centre.
Valley Leisure Ltd, a Charitable Trust that has been operating in and around Andover for 35 years has signed a new lease which will see the future of the old Wilko’s building transformed. Currently Valley Leisure operates from the 2ndfloor, but as the demand grows for its offering they will now expand as part of its phased re-development of the whole site.
Chris Attrill, Chief Executive of Valley Leisure Ltd said “This is an exciting time for the charity and the town. We are proud to be able to provide such a diverse and family friendly facility that Andover residents can take advantage of. This is our first step in transforming the building into Hampshire’s number one Family Entertainment Centre”
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “As a key business in the town centre, it is brilliant to see that Valley Leisure is doing so well. It’s a popular venue and their offer is clearly drawing more and more visitors into Andover. With our regeneration plans progressing at pace, it is fantastic to see an existing business continuing to grow and join us on our journey as we work towards transforming the town centre. I wish them all the very best in their expansion plans and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
The first undertaking will see Riverside Bowl, a community staple for entertainment, officially rebrand to Riverside Activity Zone. This new name reflects the venue’s transition from a traditional bowling alley into a family entertainment centre, offering a diverse range of recreational activities for all ages.
The current empty space will undergo extensive renovations, with the goal of introducing new activities and experiences, set to be unveiled soon.
Expanding the Experience
While the specific new offerings are still under wraps, Valley Leisure Ltd is excited to share that the expanded space will cater to a variety of interests, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or thrilling new experiences, Riverside Activity Zone will have it all.
Looking Ahead
Building renovations and phase one of the development work for the expansion is set to begin in November 2024, with the goal of opening the new Riverside Activity Zone in early 2025. The current bowling and entertainment facilities will remain open throughout the renovation period, ensuring that guests can continue to enjoy their favourite activities without interruption.
Cllr Tony Costigan, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Property, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to help Valley Leisure Ltd take over the whole building.
“We are looking forward to working with them and helping them continue to provide excellent services across the community.”
Valley Leisure Ltd is a committed stakeholder of the Andover Vision, striving to help Andover fulfil its potential. The expansion of Valley Leisure’s offering in the town centre, cements its pledge to residents and fellow businesses, community groups and organisations in helping to create a thriving town centre by utilising vacant space to deliver a unique recreational offer, encouraging both daytime and evening footfall. The development of Riverside Activity Zone supports continued investment into Andover alongside the £18.3m of Levelling Up funding secured by Test Valley Borough Council to construct a new theatre in the heart of Andover. Riverside Activity Zone invites everyone to stay tuned for updates on their progress and to be among the first to experience the new activities coming soon.
For more information, visit the website at www.riversideactivityzone.co.uk, or follow their social media platforms for exclusive sneak peeks.