A new community hub has opened in Ringwood, complete with a two-storey pavilion, changing rooms, offices, and a clubhouse.

The Ringwood Community Hub, in Long Lane, Kingston, celebrated the completion of the facilities with an opening event.

It was part funded by a £535,000 contribution from New Forest District Council (NFDC) towards the £3.4m project, with the 3G Artificial Turf Pitch becoming available for football training in February 2023.

The development was a collaboration between the NFDC, Ringwood Town Council and AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, with support from the Football Foundation.

READ MORE: School's Christmas fair bringing festive cheer to Salisbury

Ringwood Community Hub held an opening event for its new two-storey pavilion (Image: New Forest District Council) Cllr Jill Cleary, leader of the council, gave a speech at the opening ceremony of the pavilion.

She said: "It is wonderful to be here, seeing these amazing facilities opened for the community.

"This has been several years in the making, and I am aware of the partnership work and effort that has been put in to deliver this facility.

"We have invested in this project as we can see the importance of this facility for the area.

"It will help to address the current need for pitches and help to increase the levels of activity in the area, as well as giving local residents facilities to be proud of.

"It demonstrates our commitment to investing in our place, to ensure the prosperity of our people. This facility will help to improve the health and wellbeing of our community, young and old alike, existing and new participants.”

SEE MORE: Salisbury Cathedral's 'emotional' light show experience: a journey through time

Cllr Dan Poole, portfolio holder for community, safety and wellbeing, added: "It's great to see all the facilities now open.

"The pavilion, artificial pitch and the grass pitches are important assets to the local community and we want to see them supporting as many people as possible, to lead an active and healthy life.

"Working with our partners we will see more opportunities for female footballers, walking football and for those with a disability to enjoy being active."

For information about courses at the Ringwood Community Hub, residents can visit the AFC Bournemouth website.