Hole in the wall gang make ‘meaningful start’

Building contractors were at Greyfriars Community Centre last week to create the hole in a listed wall that, along with resurfacing improvements and the installation of services.

Also getting ‘stuck in’ was the leader of Hampshire County Council Cllr Roy Perry along with Ringwood Town and New Forest District Councillor, Steve Rippon-Swaine, members of the steering group behind the project, and enthusiastic supporters from Ringwood & District Community Association.

Hampshire County Council, along with the NFDC, has been helping facilitate the project with car park and land swap deals, support and advice in planning matters.

The recent works constitute the ‘Meaningful Start’ meaning planning permission for the centre – approved by New Forest planners back in February 2104 – will be fixed for the foreseeable future.

A meaningful start appeal has so far raised close to £20,000 to fund the building work and ensure that planning permission (which normally expires within three years if a start is not made) did not lapse.

“We’re delighted to finally see a physical start to the project – a start that means we now have some breathing space to raise the money for this landmark project for the town,” said Arts Centre steering group chairman, Mike Osborne.

“it has taken eight years of hard work by our steering group volunteers and around £123,000 to gain permission and meet the many planning, environmental and highways conditions necessary to commence a large project like this, but at last we can say everything is in place,” he said.

“All we need to find now is the money for the rest of the project.”

Director of Fundraising Carly Redwood has the not inconsiderable task of finding the £7 million required for the building, its landscaping and fitting-out.

“There’s a lot of money to find, but irons are in the fire to secure funding from appropriate trusts and foundations, and we’re now gearing up with local fundraising and awareness events in the town,” she said.

The proposed Ringwood Arts Centre has been designed by Ringwood architects Williams Lester and will include a 290-seat cinema and theatre, retractable seating to provide a flat floor for functions, exhibitions and conferences, as well as sports and art studio facilities.