THE NEW manager of a council-backed youth centre in Ringwood is aiming to put the views of young people at the heart of the facility's offering.

Following a detailed interview process, Charmaine Bennett has taken on the role as manager of The Place at Carvers Recreation Ground.

The building, which cost £540,000, has been blighted with issues in the two years since it opened.

However, Ms Bennett is hopeful of providing a popular facility for young people in Ringwood.

Since taking on the role she has been speaking to various people about the background of The Place, attempted to build an understanding of what has and hasn't worked and identified what the aspirations for the centre are.

Speaking to members of Ringwood Town Council's recreation committee, Ms Bennett said she was pleased to have now officially taken on the role.

"There is no real activity happening in the building at the moment, with only one or two regular hirers who have been there for a few months," she said.

"They still want to carry on but are chomping at the bit to find out what's going to be happening in the future and when the cafe is going to be open."

Following a meeting with Ringwood School, Ms Bennett has produced a consultation for students in years 7, 8 and 9.

She explained that these age groups were chosen as they will hopefully be the users of The Place in the coming years and may not have built a pre-determined view of the facility.

"I hope that we can put a lot of emphasis on what they tell us because they are our customers and I would like whatever happens there to come from young people themselves," she added.

"It is a bottom up rather than top down approach.

"My gut feeling is not to rush this because if it has had failed starts before it will do that again and that's not going to do anyone any favours."

Following a meeting with The Place working party, Ms Bennett said she hopes to deliver a business plan back to the committee by April.