THE previously uncertain future of the Old Auction Rooms in Alton's Market Square has now been secured, as Marketplace Estates Limited has announced that the ground floor of the property will be occupied by a new branch of Pizza Express.

A statement issued by Marketplace Estates said: "The prominent Market Square location, fronting both the Square and the Ladyplace Car Park, is in an excellent location to attract, retain and expand trade and this, combined the good reputation of Pizza Express, should be a big bonus for the town."

Pizza Express property director David Sykes, said: "The deal is not quite finalised, but it is very close. We hope to be on site to start the fitting of the premises within two weeks, and the work will take around 12 weeks to complete. This means that the new restaurant should be open in around three and a half months.

"The Market Square is a nice location and Alton is a nice town. We already have restaurants in the surrounding areas of Farnham, Haslemere, Basingstoke and Winchester. We've had our eye on Alton for a while, and we've been looking at various properties in the area. We nipped in when this one became available, and we are delighted to be there."

Andrew Lyndon-Skeggs, Managing Director of Marketplace Estates, said: "Pizza Express will be an excellent addition to the town's already good range of restaurants and should prove very popular.

"In my view, this is really good news for Alton and I am sure that people will be delighted to hear about it."

Chris Glanfield of Glanfield Holmund, the chartered surveyors that assisted Marketplace Estates throughout the development, said: "Pizza Express is popular and has a very good quality image which should reflect through positively."

The new development, designed by local architect Tony Cohen, has been praised for the stylish and sympathetic design, and was a winner of the coveted John Ambrose Award. Mr Lyndon-Skeggs has also praised Mr Cohen for the first class job he has done.