PLANS are in motion to revive Ringwood Social Club and ensure it remains an asset in the town for future generations.

A committee of 10 volunteers are now looking to drive forward plans for the West Street club, which has been closed for five years, after New Forest District Council granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the club.

As part of the proposals two semi-detached houses and a terrace of three houses will be built as well as two commercial office units.

Part of the building will be demolished to make way for a garden space.

Inside the building, there will be a bar, function suite and a games room as well as kitchen facilities.

"After a long five years we can now look forward to a new future in the town," said committee treasurer Tina Saddington. "It was too big an asset for the town to let go. It is owned by their members and this is people's chance to be involved with it."

The club building, which is a Grade II listed building, has previously been 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 then Ringwood Social Club.

Parts of the building dates back to the 1700s.

It is a personal project for Tina and her sister Helen Homewood, who is committee secretary, as their grandparents and parents were members of the club.

Helen said: "It is a sense of relief [getting planning permission] that we can now finally get going."

To help with the running costs two commercial units are being created, which will be rented out, and the car park at the back of the building will be sold to build the housing.

Tina said: "It is a tall order; we are under no illusion about how much work we have got to do."

The committee will also be looking at applying for a Lottery grant to help with costs which have yet to be confirmed.

It is hoped the demolition work can be done before Christmas and that the building can be opened in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building becoming a club.

Helen said: "We see it as us looking after it and passing it down to future generations of members — that is what we're looking to do."