DEVELOPERS are confident the construction of a multi-million pound leisure complex in Cwmbran is on course to open this autumn.

The £15million development, on the site of the former car park on Glyndwr Road, will incorporate an eight-screen cinema, 20-lane bowling alley, a variety of restaurants and a children's play centre.

Companies already signed up to the scheme are Vue cinemas, Chinese buffet chain China China and Bowlplex.

John Ives, director of developers Mint Blue, said the company is also in talks with a number of national restaurant operators.

"It's going very well. We are convinced this development is worthwhile and we are pushing hard with the restaurants.

"It is not easy to sell Cwmbran to people who live in London, but when they see the area and the amount of people who are not served by any leisure facilities this side of Newport or Cardiff they are keen to be involved," he said.

Mint Blue have owned the site for nearly nine years and earlier plans for the site, one which included a nightclub, were scrapped in favour of a more family-orientated facility.

"We have had four different planning permissions granted on this site over the years. We have designed this scheme to fit in with Torfaen Council's masterplan as well as create a development that works for us.

"We are trying to differentiate this as a family destination. There will be no more than two cafe bars, so families can come here on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and not be worried by people drinking, " he added.

Mr Ives believes that once the complex is completed it will attract residents from all over Torfaen.

People can keep up to date with the Cwmbran development by visiting Mint Blue's website www.leisureatcwmbran.co.uk