Greenbridge retail park will not be without its flagship cinema for long after national chain Vue confirmed it would be taking over the site.

In adverts that have started appearing on social media, Vue announced that it is coming to Swindon 'soon'. 

A blurb on the cinema firm's website says: "Big screen entertainment is coming to Swindon. Opening soon in Greenbridge Retail Park."

It added: "Hey Swindon, something big is coming your way!

"What’s big, orange, entertaining and coming to Swindon soon? - Yep, you guessed it. It’s a new Vue venue."

People were then encouraged to sign up to be a Vue member and select Swindon as their local cinema to receive emails and be 'among the first to know when Vue Swindon opens'. 

Vue had made a series of applications to Swindon Borough Council to take over a premises licence at the former Empire site at the Stratton retail park, as well as a planning application to install new signage there. 

While the planning application remains outstanding, the licence was granted and is now currently active. 

The proposed licensable activities include the performance and exhibition of films, plays, dance, and live and recorded music indoors 24 hours a day and seven days a week, as well as the provision of late-night refreshments indoors between 11pm and 5am, and the sale of alcohol from 9am to 3am daily.

The Empire cinema suddenly closed in July after the company plunged into administration. Since then, the screening rooms have been silent and the large lobby has been bare. 

Bosses of neighbouring restaurants that relied on visitors going to watch films in the area revealed the cinema's loss had affected their business and one of them - Frankie and Benny's - has since closed. 

News of the building reopening 'soon' has been met positively by Fiesta De Cuba general manager Luck Jacobs delighted. 

“We are obviously happy to have a cinema-going back in there and I think Vue was the best option that could have been in there as I know they offer cheap tickets,” he said.

“So we are relieved and happy to hear that one is coming back in because it helps with business and brings in a bit of footfall in the area rather than having a big derelict building.”

Members of the public have also responded positively to the advert. 

One said: "Excellent news will be great to see a cinema back at the Empire Building. And guess the eateries will be busy once again.

Another added: "Yes a much-needed addition to Greenbridge."

An opening date is not yet known.