THE first sod has been turned on the site of the long-awaited cinema and leisure complex in Eastleigh town centre.

The champagne and spade ceremony, marking the start of construction, took place on Wednesday morning, 23 days after site preparation started.

Among dignitaries attending were the Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Roger Smith, and the chief executive of Eastleigh council, Bernie Topham.

The complex, which will form an extension to the Swan Shopping Centre, will include a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, bars, shops and a 20-lane bowling alley. Completion is due by the end of next year.

It is being built on pillars above Wells Place car park, on the Southampton Road side of the shopping centre.

John Duxbury is investment director at Pruipim, which manages the shopping centre on behalf of Prudential. He said: "Today marks the start of the construction phase at the Swan Centre leisure development and is a significant milestone to have reached after just three weeks of work.

"Since the site was handed over to building contractor Warings on July 9, significant progress has been made, with demolition complete and the site ready for main works to commence."

Dee Buffone, Swan Centre manager, said feedback was positive so far.

He added: "Considerable effort is being made to minimise disruption to local residents through careful forward planning."