ONE of Britain's top chains will be running Eastleigh's new multiplex cinema, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Vue Cinemas, which operates screens across the country, will be coming to the town in two years' time when the doors open on a £25m entertainment complex next to the Swan shopping centre.

The company already has multiplex cinemas in Portsmouth and Basingstoke, and its Eastleigh venue will have nine screens.

As well as showing the latest blockbusters and family films, the long-planned development also includes a bowling alley and a children's activity centre, as well as plans for cafes and restaurants.

Films so far scheduled for release in 2008 include the movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Cordwell Leisure, development partner to shopping centre owners Prudential and Eastleigh Borough Council, clinched the deal with Vue Entertainment to become the anchor tenant for the 11,657sq m project.

Tim Richards, chief executive of Vue, said that it had earmarked Eastleigh as a key location for a new cinema.

"This is a superb site in a fantastic location, which we believe will be great for Vue and great for the people of Eastleigh," he said.

"It's also a statement of intent from us that the company continues to grow and seek new locations in which to expand our estate and bring the best cinema experience to all parts of the UK.

"We're looking forward to providing Eastleigh with a truly state-of-the-art multiplex and a superb new amenity that's fitting for this excellent location.

"Our presence here means that the local community will have the best cinema experience and a great choice of movies close by.

"We're very pleased that the town is welcoming us and taking its place as a significant part of our national business."

Building work on the development is expected to start later this year, with opening scheduled for spring 2008.