A LONG-awaited £30m leisure and shopping development designed to bring Fareham into the 21st century is nearing completion.

A late-night bar and restaurant is due to open next week, leaving a five-screen cinema as the only remaining piece of the Market Quay scheme still to be put in place.

Fareham's civic chief Councillor Sean Woodward believes the completed Market Quay will make Fareham a much more attractive place.

He said: "It's been a very, very long time in coming, after several failed schemes.

"It's great news and will bring us into the 21st century. It will make quite a difference and give us a nice wholesome family atmosphere.

"Having visited an Apollo cinema in London, I believe our cinema will put those at Port Solent and Gunwharf Quays to shame.

"It means huge economic growth and it means we will be able to reclaim our town centre for families rather than yobs who are causing problems at the moment."

A ban on drinking in public places is planned for next month in a bid to make the town centre more family-friendly.

Hundreds of revellers are expected to turn out for three nights planned to celebrate the opening of Chicago Rock Cafe in Vannes Parade.

A VIP night will be held on Thursday, February 17, to be followed by opening night parties on the Friday and Saturday.

The venue is described by general manager Nikki Hodson as a one-stop food, bar and party venue playing pop music from the 1960s to the present.

Acts scheduled to appear there over the next three months include tributes to Abba, Robbie Williams, Queen, U2 and Shania Twain.

Developer Miller Developments say Market Quay's cinema complex is on track to open as planned in June.