MILLIONAIRE entrepreneur Andy Scott is progressing his plans to convert two Bournemouth bars into a restaurant and wine bar.

He intends to convert Makia and adjoining Saigon in Exeter Road into a wine bar and fish restaurant.

A 120-cover Watermark restaurant is set to open at the end in March with a wine bar next door.

His £10 million Ascott Group owns other Watermark restaurants in Port Solent marina and on the waterfront in Palma, Mallorca.

There are plans for 15 more Watermarks in Europe over the next 15 years.

Ascott also owns the Gresham Court Hotel in Gervis Road and Re-Hab hair salon in Old Christchurch Road.

Mr Scott said: "I love Bournemouth and if felt right to open a Watermark here.

"I think this is the perfect location for our new restaurant and wine bar."

Last October Mr Scott also bought former National Reserve Social Club in Old Christchurch Road with a view to creating new homes for first-time buyers.