PLANS are being put forward once more to expand the Furlong Shopping Centre in Ringwood in what its owners hope will make it the top destination for shopping in the New Forest.

The phase 2 development proposals for the site between the Market Place and the Furlong will be scrutinised by Ringwood folk during the public consultation process, which starts on July 3 opposite Jaegar in the centre.

Developers, 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.

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

Meanwhile pressure to revive the old town hall back to a cinema, is gathering pace.

A petition was signed by nearly 1,000 people wanting see the Regal Cinema venue, which has remained empty for several years, transformed back to its glory days, when it played host to bands like Status Quo, Amen Corner and Edison Lighthouse.

Dennis Whitfield, who has spearheaded the campaign to save the cinema, said: "The sketches of the plans look very pretty. However, as many people have indicated, it is hard to see what is what from drawings. The questions on the pamphlet are leading questions, of course people will say they want to see the area and the town hall redeveloped.

"I think there is a better use for the town hall than corporate shops, offices and apartments. I maintain that the town hall should be redeveloped into a cinema. It is a workable solution."

Development Securities submitted plans for a mixed use development incorporating the old cinema building in 2008.

In 2012 the developers got together with town councillors in a closed meeting to discuss the way forward on plans to add 12,000 sq ft of extra space to the town’s shopping centre.

It is believed that a stumbling block with redeveloping the site is the car park owned by Marston’s Inns, owners of the Original White Hart, which is understood formed part of the site for redevelopment.

A spokesman for Development Securities 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.”

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.