AT LAST - a new £30million shopping and leisure centre for Hampshire has finally been given the go-ahead.

After more than 20 years of set backs work on the Market Quay complex in Fareham is expected to start in September.

After the unanimous decision by town planners yesterday council leader Sean Woodward said: "I am absolutely delighted - it has been a long time coming".

Developers Miller/CTP hope shops will open in time for Christmas 2002.

The complex will cover land to the south of West Street, currently used as an open air market place and car park.

Among the 12 retail units will be clothing stores JJB Sports and TK Maxx; DIY store Wilkinson's and hairdressers Toni and Guy.

There will also be a five-screen Metroplex cinema complex, a Fitness First gym, restaurants, pubs and a 283-space car park.

The building will be mainly red brick, although the cinema has a 1930s-style glass frontage.

Fareham police are concerned the new complex, which will be fitted with a state-of-the-art CCTV system, may cause crime to increase, especially after pub closing time.

Councillors also granted permission for an archaeological exploration behind the Crown pub in West Street.