AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, Ringwood Town Council and Ringwood Town Football Club are excited to announce the start of construction on the new multi-million pound re-development at Long Lane, Ringwood.
Construction will commence in earnest on 12th September 2022 on the first phase of the development, involving a full size floodlight 3G artificial turf pitch (ATP).
Further developments, including new clubhouse and infrastructure will follow in early 2023.
The £3.2 million project has been boosted by funding from the Football Foundation, New Forest District Council and Ringwood & District Round Table.
The significant investment into the Long Lane development represents an opportunity to develop an excellent sporting and social facility for the town of Ringwood and the surrounding area, where the site will continue to be the home of all teams associated to Ringwood Town and enable AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust to run a number of community programmes from the site.
Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: "The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, the FA, government and Sport England – to support facility development projects like this across the country over the next decade to transform our grassroots game and unlock the power of pitches!”
Speaking about the development commencing, head of community Steve Cuss said: “We are delighted to be in the position to begin the construction work at Long Lane and proud that through positive partnership developments with many organisations we have reached this milestone.
"We look forward to the development of the facilities and being in a position to engage with the communities of Ringwood and the surrounding area, through engagement projects.”
Phil King, chairman of Ringwood Town, commented: "This is fantastic news! It’s been quite a journey and marks a significant milestone in the 143-year history of the football club.
"It will be transformative for every one of our 400+ players across our 30 teams, from under-6s to our senior teams.
"I see the partnership with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust as a truly exciting one and I thank them and the other partners for their immense support.”
Cllr Gareth DeBoos, mayor of Ringwood Town Council, added: “This project is fully supported by Ringwood Town Council and has been championed by Cllrs Andrew Briers and Darren Loose together with significant efforts from our town clerk, Chris Wilkins.
"The improved facilities will provide more opportunities for local people of all ages involved with sport and I look forward to seeing our teams go from strength to strength.”
