Bosses at the Swan Centre in Eastleigh say they are in talks to bring in a 'major high street name'

Eastleigh’s Swan Centre has announced that it is looking to shake-up the current layout of the site to accommodate the major high street fashion name.

The boost comes as the shopping centre celebrated its 25th anniversary over the weekend, with hundreds flocking to enjoy the milestone celebrations.

Alfie and Jacob Small enjoy seeing a Lotus Formula One car at the Swan Centre celebrations

Centre bosses were not willing to reveal the name of the fashion store only saying that it is a “major high street name”.

They did reveal however that negotiations were at an “advanced stage” and could be completed in the next few weeks, bringing with it 30 full-time and part-time jobs.

Discussions with the major fashion store are for a 1,800 square metre unit, which would make it twice the size of the centre’s TK Maxx store.

A spokesman explained that due to the size of store demanded by the fashion store, the centre would need to change things around and relocate current tenants to accommodate their needs.

He said: “Like any major change there will be significant building work to prepare for this new store after which there will be the need to shop fit and stock the unit.

“We will be keeping disruption to a minimum and ask visitors to the Swan to be patient while these important improvements to the centre are put in place."

The spokesman added that the recent addition of the leisure complex, which includes restaurants, a bowling alley and Vue cinema, had made Eastleigh a more attractive prospect for investment.

“It’s part of the centre’s commitment to maintaining its position in the market place,” he said.

“Eastleigh is obviously an attractive market to people and that’s clearly demonstrated by the enthusiasm that national restaurant chains and cinemas have had coming in.

“What we’re seeing now is that interest is also out there in retail.

“The job the Swan Centre has to do is make sure we have got the sort of space and positions that they need.”

As it looks to the future hundreds of shoppers helped the Swan celebrate its past 25 years in business on Saturday.

Children enjoy the Swan Centre celebrations with the O2 mascot

Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton joined Mayor Tony Noyce to mark the milestone and shoppers enjoyed a number of free activities, including the chance to meet a Dalek, try out an F1 simulator and show off their Lego building skills.

Andrea Williamson, The Swan Centre’s marketing manager , added: “We are looking forward to making the Swan Centre an even better place to shop, work, eat and relax as we embrace many exciting improvements and changes moving forward into the next 25 years.”