Film empire Odeon has been signed up as the operator of the eight-screen digital cinema at the proposed St Stephen’s Place Leisure Park in Trowbridge.

Site developers Legal & General made the announcement at a presentation on Thursda, ahead of two open days at The Castle Shopping Centre, on Friday and Saturday which give the public more information on its plans for the site.

Simon Russian of Legal & General Property said: “We are delighted that Odeon has agreed to join us on this vital project.

“Odeon’s commitment to Trowbridge underlines our belief that we can deliver an exciting new leisure destination for local people.”

Mr Russian said he was pleased by the number of people who stopped to discuss the project with him and his colleagues at the two open days.

He said: “We’ve had a great turn out today, I think everybody has been pleased but a little sceptical, which is rightfully understandable, due to how many times the people of the town have been let down with cinema plans in the past, but I can assure the town that we are all committed to this project.”

At the event, visitors were asked to leave feedback forms expressing their thoughts on the proposal, which will be put forward for planning permission next month with the intention of building work starting in the spring.

The proposed site, where Tesco used to be, would home seven family restaurants, cafes, bars and an 80-bedroom Premier Inn hotel with 111 on-site car parking spaces.

Mr Russian said: “Securing well known operators has helped to give momentum to this project and I think the best thing for Trowbridge will be seeing cranes on the site as soon as possible, as everyone will know progress is being made.”

Legal & General said if it is granted permission, the site should open in mid-2013.