The Chapel Arts Project - Success!!

10.43.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 14th Jun 2008

The news that the Test Valley Arts Foundation has secured a £65,000 grant, needed to fund the Chapel Arts (St Mary's Chapel) project - Andover has been welcomed by County Councillor Robin Hughes. "I am delighted with the news that the Arts Council England South East has decided to award £65,000 towards the Chapel Arts project". "The commitment demonstrated by the partnership of the Test Valley Arts Foundation, Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council will have helped to persuade the Arts Council to fund this project".

The Andover Chapel is a Victorian building located in the grounds of St. Mary's Church and has not been used as in a religious capacity since 1940. Up until the 1970's the building was used as offices and more recently a storage room. The project is to turn the chapel into a fully functioning arts space and exhibition area.

St Mary's Chapel Andover

Funding for this project is from various sources including the Arts Council, Test Valley Arts Foundation, Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. Last year when securing funding from Hampshire County Council, Cllr Hughes made the following comments in support of the project. "I have read the draft report and looked at the planning application concerning this proposal. I am fully supportive of the Chapel Arts - Andover Project. The conversion of this chapel into a new use, that of an arts space and exhibition area will benefit the residents of Andover. The partnership approach is to be encouraged and I would ask that Councillor Snaith, Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, award in full the £20,000 requested. I would very much hope that the commitment demonstrated by the partnership of Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Arts Foundation and Test Valley Borough Council will also persuade the Arts Council to award in full amount requested of them". The comments have been previously reported in the Recreation and Heritage decision day report 13th September 2007, Item 2 Future - Proposals for Andover Chapel, Local Member Consultation.