AN outdated Hampshire shopping centre that has become a crime hot spot will get a major transformation to bring it into the 21st century.

In recent years the rundown Broadlaw Walk in Fareham has been shunned by shoppers and become a magnet for gangs of youths and anti-social behaviour.

But Portsmouth Housing Association has been given permission to revamp its reputation by building a modern centre the community can be proud of.

Fareham Borough Council's planning committee last night passed the plans.

It is hoped the improved shopping centre and community facilities, off Bishopsfield Avenue, will provide a new social hub for residents.

The plans, which have taken 18 months to draw up, will see the demolition of the existing buildings, replacing them with 56 two-bedroom flats, eight new shop units, a car park and an open space.

Originally there were 16 shopping units when the centre was built in the 1960s but only six remain open.

Planners felt that the addition of more open space was vital to making the development more inviting.

A central plaza is proposed to provide areas of community space with seating and public art. Extra CCTV and lighting will also be included.

John Waterfield, development officer for Portsmouth Housing Association, said: "The flats and open space have been designed to discourage crime and anti-social behaviour.

"The community centre will further serve to build a community sense of ownership and belonging."

Brenda Clapperton, from the Fareham Society, added: "This development alone will not solve the problems of the neighbourhood. It must be well-managed."