Plans for a major revamp of Ringwood town centre have been pushed back as New Forest District Council prepares to spend millions on projects elsewhere.
While improvement schemes in Totton and Lymington are moving ahead, proposals for Ringwood Market Place, along with Milford-on-Sea’s seafront, are being delayed pending further work and decisions.
Council cabinet papers outline a £3.6m programme of “strategic” projects funded by developer contributions, with more than £600,000 set aside for professional fees.
But despite the scale of the investment, Ringwood is not among the schemes being prioritised for delivery in the next phase.
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Four projects — including a new civic square in Totton and a revamped waterfront park in Lymington — are earmarked for public consultation, followed by detailed design, with construction targeted for 2027 and 2028.
By contrast, the more complex proposals for Ringwood Market Place are being treated more cautiously, with no firm timetable in place.
In Totton, the headline scheme is a complete makeover of the grassed area between the library, civic offices, police station and Precinct shopping centre.
Council reports state that the space is underused and does not give Totton a clear “civic heart”.
Under the proposals, the area would be transformed into a paved square with room for markets, an outdoor cinema, performances and community events.
A raised table and new crossings would slow traffic and give people more priority, while existing mature trees would be kept and built into the design alongside new seating, lighting, cycle parking and planting.
Speaking on the plans, Cllr David Harrison, Liberal Democrat for Totton South, said he supports the changes.
He said: “Most towns have a central meeting point which can be used for all sorts of gatherings. These might include a market, various entertainment events, even a singsong at Christmas time.
“Totton doesn’t have a High Street or central point that can be used in this way. It is a way of putting a heart back into the town.”
Cllr Harrison added: “There are a few issues yet to be determined, including who will be responsible for maintaining the area, but I see it as a big improvement.”
Lymington’s Bath Road Recreation Ground is also in line for a major facelift.
The new scheme would strip out failing structures, install modern play equipment and reshape paths and seating to create more flexible space for small events and everyday leisure.
There are plans for better pedestrian safety and access, plus landscape and biodiversity improvements, to make the park more attractive to residents and visitors and cut long‑term maintenance costs.
Despite potential delays to Ringwood and Milford plans, Cllr Alvin Reid, Conservative for Milford, said he is hopeful that cabinet members will make “the best decision for the long-term benefit” of residents.
A decision will be made by members on August 5, with recommendations made to approve the proposals.
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