Construction work has begun on a new pavilion for the Ringwood Community Hub.

The development will transform the current site, aiding the work of AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, enhancing the provision from Ringwood Town FC, and offering a real community asset to Ringwood Town Council/New Forest District Council.

The construction of a two-storey pavilion housing changing rooms, offices and a much-needed club house, will become an iconic venue, not just for football but for other social/physical programmes facilitated by the Community Sports Trust.

This phase of the construction (adding to the new full size 3G ATP) includes the new pavilion building, improved car parking and infrastructure to accommodate increased community use of the hub facilities. Knights Brown, who are based in the town, was appointed to carry out the work following a successful competitive tender process. Construction is due to be completed within 2024.

Knights Brown Divisional Director, Mike Crook said: “We’re pleased to finally have boots on the ground and to be getting this important project for the community underway. It’s a pleasure to be on site in our own backyard and we look forward to working with the football club and other stakeholders to deliver a project that fulfils everyone’s ambitions”.

Ringwood Town Councillor, Cllr Andy Briers: “On behalf of the Town Council, I am delighted that work has started on the new pavilion at Long Lane. Ringwood will shortly have a facility fit for the twenty-first century thanks to the hard work and support of all the organisations involved, especially Football Foundation, AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, New Forest District Council and Ringwood Town FC.”

Phil King, Chair Ringwood Town FC: “We’re delighted that work is now underway and it’s with Knights Brown, a Ringwood-based construction company. Our existing clubhouse has served the Club so well for over 40 years and the time is nigh for a modern, purpose-built, environmentally friendly building.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. This development of facilities at Ringwood Community Hub, in partnership between the Town Council, Ringwood Town FC and AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, who are investing in the site and will be the site operator will be fantastic for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”

Steve Cuss, Head of Community AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust: ‘We are really pleased to begin the next phase of development within Ringwood. Adding to the new 3G astro, when constructed the pavilion will offer a great football and community setting that can be enjoyed by existing players and new participants who will be able to take part in a variety of activities on site covering education, physical activity, inclusive programmes and social opportunities, building a real hub for the local and wider community of Ringwood.’