The Town Council is delighted to announce that proposals for environmental improvements in Southampton Road have won the support of Hampshire County Council. 

The scheme has been approved for inclusion in its Country Towns Initiative programme for the next two financial years and, although there is some way to go to develop the scheme, it is hoped that it will result in the regeneration of this part of the town.

Key aims of the scheme are to provide a more attractive and safer environment for pedestrians and shoppers, create a space more in keeping with the Conservation Area location and improve the commercial viability of the area.  Links to adjoining pedestrian areas and cycle routes will also be improved.

The project links directly in with the findings of the recently published Town Plan, which sets out Ringwood residents’ vision of the town for the future.  In fact, evidence from the consultation exercises and community healthcheck played a significant part in ensuring the success of the bid.

Councillor Nigel Clarke, Chairman of the Town Council’s Planning, Town & Environment Committee and a member of Hampshire County Council said:

“I am very pleased to see this project moving forward.  Southampton Road was identified a long time ago as an area that would benefit from environmental improvements.  We now have an opportunity to breathe some life back into this area, whilst at the same time addressing some of the key issues identified in the Town Plan.”