Construction of a new youth facility in Ringwood has begun after more than 30 years of requests from residents and volunteers.

Leader of Hampshire County Council Cllr Roy Perry joined young people and other fundraising partners on site to mark the start of work on the new build.

The building will be taking shape on Carvers Playing Field, next to the skate park over the next 24 weeks and will cost £548,000 to complete.

Cllr Perry said: “This is an excellent example of councils working in partnership to improve services and facilities that are especially of benefit to Hampshire’s young people.

“I am confident that this will be a well-used and much valued building, with regular activities and sports, as well as access to advice and support on a wide range of issues, such as health, learning and employment.”

He also commended the county council, which has contributed £400,000 to the project, the town council, which contributed £75,000 and Ringwood Secondary School, which donated £5,000 to the project.

Sam Whittingham, a youth advisor for Ringwood Town Council and a pupil at the school, said: “This is great. We have waited a long time and I know some people who had campaigned for this facility who are now grown up with kids of their own.

“It’s great that the town council and others have finally given us a place of our own.”

The building will provide a permanent base for youth-based activities and youth workers and will include a youth club, as well as charities and voluntary organisations that provide advice and support for young people.