PLANS are being put forward to expand Ringwood’s The Furlong in what its owners hope will make it the top destination for shopping in the New Forest.

The team behind the proposed Phase 2 development of The Furlong has now launched its programme of consultation with the community.

The plans are for a site between the Market Place and The Furlong Shopping Centre.

A total of 6,400 newsletters have been delivered in Ringwood, asking people to get involved before the planning application is submitted to New Forest District Council later this summer.

A spokesman for Development Securities, the developer, said: “We are delighted to be able to share our plans for The Furlong Phase 2 with the community and hope that as many people as possible will share their views. Working with the whole town, we want to build on the success of The Furlong Shopping Centre and further enhance Ringwood’s retail offer by creating a vibrant mixed use scheme.”

Development Securities say that The Furlong Phase 2 would deliver a new link towards the High Street and bring new shops, restaurants, offices, leisure facilities, public spaces and homes.

The project will create more than 100 jobs and restore the Old Town Hall, it said.

The developer said that “good quality urban and architectural design in keeping with the character and heritage of Ringwood will be reflected throughout”.

The historic façade of the Old Town Hall would be in use among the surrounding listed buildings on the Market Place.

There is a project website at thefurlongphase2.co.uk, where members of the public can have their say on the plans.

There will be a public exhibition where locals can meet members of the project team and view the proposals in more detail on Friday, July 3, from 11am-7pm at Unit One, The Furlong, opposite the Jaeger store.

If the scheme gains approval, the developer aims to start work on site in spring 2016, with the scheme being completed by summer 2017.