Mayor of Andover cuts ribbon on new council allotments built by Taylor WimpeyTaylor Wimpey has officially handed over the allotments linked to its Saxon Heights at Augusta Park development to Andover Town Council.
On 23 February, representatives of Taylor Wimpey West London and Andover Town Council met at the allotments, situated on Cashmere Drive in Andover, to formally mark the transfer of ownership of the 10 allotment plots.
A ribbon cutting ceremony took place, which was led by Councillor David Coole, the Mayor of Andover, and David Lockyer, Technical Director for Taylor Wimpey West London.
Taylor Wimpey, who started building at Augusta Park back in 2011 as part of the regeneration of Andover, and Andover Town Council have worked together to deliver 10 designated allotment plots on Cashmere Drive.
The plots benefit from a dedicated water supply and water butts, as well as allocated car parking and cycle routes for ease of access.
Each of the 10 plots will be made available to the local community. Members of the public who have previously lodged their interest will be contacted by Andover Town Council now that the handover has been completed.
David Lockyer, Technical Director for Taylor Wimpey West London, said: “We’re delighted to have worked in collaboration with our partners at Andover Town Council on this project, which has provided ten high-quality allotment plots for residents at our Saxon Heights at Augusta Park development and the wider Andover community to use and enjoy for generations to come.
“It’s an exciting time to be a keen grower in the area, and we’ve set the allotments up with a dedicated water supply and water butts aplenty to help the allotment owners hit the ground running and get their growing space to thrive as quickly as possible. We’re looking forward to seeing the allotments up and running under council supervision.”
Cllr David Coole, Andover Town Mayor said; “It was a real privilege to formally accept the handover of the Saxon Heights Allotments Site from Taylor Wimpey and to declare the site officially open. This additional site will enable more Andover residents to enjoy the benefits of having an allotment plot.“Having an allotment not only enables people to grow their own fruit and vegetables, they also provide great social, mental and physical health benefits, as well as a greater understanding of the environment.”
Cllr Kevin Hughes, Chair of Andover Town Council Allotment Committee said; ‘I would like to thank all those involved in making this new allotment site a reality and for delivering a high-quality asset to Andover Town Council and its residents.“The Town Council Officers and the team at Taylor Wimpey have worked in partnership to ensure more residents will get the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of having an allotment.”
Mrs Gail Foster, Town Clerk, Andover Town Council: ‘I am delighted that the new allotments are open just before the growing season starts. The Officers at the Town Council, in particular the Deputy Clerk, have worked very hard behind the scenes to ensure all the legalities were completed in time for a handover to the Council early in the year. The first ten people on the waiting list have been contacted, and we are pleased that seven people have already confirmed their acceptance of tenancy.”
