CWMBRAN'S £19 million town centre redevelopment is bang on schedule for its grand opening at the end of this year.

A curved glass roof is taking shape on the Caradoc Road side of the site, and the framework of the end backing on to The Parade is virtually complete.

Centre manager Gerry Hutchings told the Argus: "Works are progressing quite well. "We are looking at a provisional date for Asda opening around the middle of November."

A new flagship Asda superstore forms the cornerstone of the building work in General Rees Square, along with four extra units, including a large Woolworths store.

Asda - which will feature state-of-the-art tills and scanners and parking for 850 cars on two levels - is expected to open in November.

Two months later, the project as a whole will be wrapped up by contractors Tilbury Douglas.

Town centre owners Prudential put the scheme into action, enlisting the help of architectural firm Heery International to oversee the work.

Mr Hutchins said that demolition work would begin shortly on the old health clinic in the town centre. He added that the three units next to the Woolworths store are currently being "marketed" to find tenants.

However, it was still uncertain who would take over the tenancy of the existing Asda store in Monmouth Walk.

Prudential's director of investment for South Wales, David Alker , said: "This scheme will completely rejuvenate an area of Cwmbran Shopping which is currently run down. "This project is a significant investment for Prudential and shows our long-term commitment to the town."