FRESH plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of Ringwood’s former Corn Exchange.
Halo Developments is seeking permission from New Forest District Council to partially demolish, refurbish and change the use of 2 Market Place to create 11 dwellings and commercial floor space.
The works would require the demolition of a car wash building and the construction of a new residential building, plus landscaping, car and cycle parking, and other associated works.
The former Corn Exchange (picture: Google)
The former Corn Exchange building has stood empty for around 15 years, but was previously used as a cinema, nightclub, bingo hall and shopping centre.
A proposal was made in 2023 to redevelop the site with 20 “high quality” residential units, but was later withdrawn.
Pegasus Group, acting on behalf of Halo Developments, told NFDC in a planning statement the latest proposed development is “compatible” with surrounding uses and will generate activity throughout the day.
They added: “Overall, the proposed development meets the objectives of the local development plan, delivering numerous benefits for the local community and wider district.
“These include the delivery of residential units within a sustainable location that will contribute positively to the housing stock in the district, and the delivery of 452sqm of flexible commercial space that will bring a vacant building within a prominent location within the town centre into a functional and viable use, providing employment opportunities for local people.”
Public consultation on the proposed redevelopment ends on Friday 17th January.