CREATING more entertainment for Eastleigh's fun seekers is being made a top priority by council chiefs.

Major moves have begun to encourage developers to join a council led partnership promoting new leisure opportunities and a multiplex cinema in Eastleigh.

Would-be developers are being advised of the potential of the prominent town centre location - the Wells Place car park next to the Swan Centre.

Any scheme would require keeping the car park and integration with the Swan Centre stores.

Council leader Keith House explained that clinching new leisure facilities for the town were important for the council.

He said: "Widening the range of leisure facilities for the town of Eastleigh is one of the council's highest priorities.

"We want to ensure that Eastleigh provides the best in leisure and entertainment for both its local community and for south Hampshire.

"Eastleigh has excellent transport links with easy access via regular bus and rail services from the surrounding area."

Head of the council's property services unit, John Gregory added: "The council is seeking suitably experienced developers to complete a partnership with Eastleigh Council and Prudential, the owners of the Swan Centre."

More than three years ago planners gave the green light for a 11-screen multiplex as part of the town's showpiece Swan covered shopping centre.

The plan for a 2,200 seat state-of-the art facility included building over the existing car park alongside Tesco's at first floor level.

Now as they push ahead with creating a fun image for Eastleigh, council bosses would like to see the big screen developed to include a range of leisure facilities.

Cllr House said: "This is a landmark development and its is important that any scheme is designed to a high standard which enhances the Swan Centre and the town centre."