WORK has finally started to breathe a new lease of life into a former social club in Ringwood that has been closed for seven years.

A committee of volunteers have been leading the redevelopment project of Ringwood Social Club in West Street.

Committee treasurer Tina Saddington said: "Work is in progress. We have been held up with some of the planning conditions which we hope to have more or less sorted so we should have some sort of movement. "Hopefully we will be able to get cracking on the rest of it."

An archaeological survey will be carried out on the site.

Tina added: "Everything is going to be moved into the listed building. There will be an orangery and garden. We have now separated the 70s part of the building from the listed building."

The main club building is Grade II listed and was previously known as The Antelope and Albany Temperance Hotel. After the First World War it became the Comrades Club and later the British Legion Club and Ringwood Social Club.

Also as part of the redevelopment two semi-detached houses and a terrace of three houses are being built as well as two office units. The offices will be rented out to help with the maintenance and running costs of the social club.

It had been hoped that demolition work would start before Christmas last year but had to be delayed to carry out surveys.

"It has taken us a long time to get to this stage," said Tina. "We are grateful to the members of the club that have stuck by us. We just want to get it open."

Despite the time it has taken, Tina said: "We are still glad we did it, we will get there. We haven't lost our determination."

"It is in an old part of town and has got historical value, that is part of the reason why we are trying to do it up and keep it - we are trying to save the past.

"It has been a labour of love because we want the club back. It belongs to the town and to the people of the town."

It is hoped the building will be opened in 2019 in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building becoming a social club.

Anyone interested in becoming a member email ringwoodsocialclub@gmail.com.