ANDOVER town centre is performing better than the national average with a low vacancy rate, increasing footfall and thriving local businesses, new data reveals.

Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficult circumstances of the past few years, Andover town centre has a vacancy rate of 9.7 per cent, which is significantly better than the national average of 11 per cent and even beats the South East average of 9.9 per cent.

According to Andover BID (Business Improvement District), the new data from Springboard indicates that the town centre is in a healthy state, with a good number of businesses operating and serving the local community.

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Furthermore, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, footfall in Andover town centre has increased impressively by 16.55 per cent since 2019, highlighting the resilience of local businesses and the strength of the community.

Andover BID is a non-profit organisation that supports local businesses and works to enhance the town centre. It has been actively promoting the town, encouraging investment, and creating an inviting and attractive environment for shoppers and visitors.

Andover BID manager Steve Godwin said: "We are delighted with the latest figures from Springboard, which demonstrate that Andover town centre is performing well despite the ongoing challenges.

“The low vacancy rate and increased footfall are a testament to the hard work of local businesses and the strength of the community. We have a high number of independently owned businesses as well as a good mix of national names and we continue to see new openings and interest in our town.

“The Andover BID is committed to continuing to support local businesses and enhancing the town centre, and we are confident that Andover will continue to thrive in the years ahead."