Building of the Month June 2023: Anton Laundry, 24 Marlborough Street, Andover, Hampshire SP10 1DQ

The Anton Laundry in Andover has a fascinating history. It is a small industrial complex which lies by the River Anton on the edge of the town centre. The complex includes a grade II listed house (LEN: 1236527) which has an 18th-century façade but the rear gable and interior have exposed timber framework indicating, perhaps, 16th-century origins. At one time the Anton Laundry served Highgrove and was granted a ‘by Royal Appointment’ crest which hung proudly above the office door.

It is thought that this complex of buildings was originally part of a tannery. Indeed a tannery existed on site as early as the 15th century. It became a laundry in the latter half of the 19th century and remained so until 2005 when the company moved and the buildings fell into disrepair. An arson attack in 2009 caused extensive damage resulting in the loss of a Victorian ancillary building and the levelling of much of the site. Although the condition of the buildings is poor because of water ingress, fire damage, and several years of neglect, there is still potential to create a wonderful scheme at the site.

The site had permission in the past for mixed use redevelopment which has never proceeded.  In its most recent iteration this did not include the listed building. There was a fire in 2020 which resulted in extensive damage to the listed house, but the council signalled that they were very keen to resolve the problems of the site and were engaging with the owners. We have now received reports of yet another fire which has damaged the building even further.