"FANTASTIC" CINEMA PROJECT AHEAD OF SCHEDULE - HUHNE

3.02.56pm GMT Fri 5th Oct 2007

Eastleigh's new nine-screen multiplex cinema, bowling and restaurant complex is ahead of schedule, according to the briefing for Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne and Borough leader Cllr Keith House when they visited the site.

Chris Huhne MP with Cllr Keith House and Chris Ames at the cinema site

Mr Huhne and Cllr House are pictured here with project manager Chris Ames of Portsmouth-based contractors Warings who said that progress was if anything a little better than expected and the complex is on course to open for the run-up to Christmas next year (2008).

"This is a fantastic project which is going to give Eastleigh town a whole new lease of life as a vibrant centre that will attract people from Chandler's Ford, Winchester and Hedge End as well as the town of Eastleigh itself" said Mr Huhne.

"I think this project is going to prove very attractive to the many young families in our area as Vue is signed up as the cinema operator with bowling and top restaurants like Frankie and Benny's New York Italian diner also on offer.

"By attracting new people into the town, the complex will also be good news for High Street and Market Street traders and give a real fillip to the centre. It's really good news that the contractors are ahead of schedule for a great opening next year" said Mr Huhne.

Cllr Keith House said: "This complex is a key part of our local strategy to ensure that Eastleigh stays as one of the best places to live in the country. In the last ranking produced by Channel 4's 4Homes, Eastleigh was one of the top ten places to live across Britain.

"The complex is a short walk from both the bus station in central Eastleigh and the railway station with easy connections to Southampton, Winchester, Hedge End, Botley and Chandler's Ford."