FROM today visitors to Regent Circus will have full access to all of the traders at the development, with more Italian food and a cinema to enjoy.

On Wednesday Nando’s opened its doors to Swindon foodies and Prezzo opens at 12.30pm today.

Public performances at Cineworld also start today at 10.30am.

Two launch nights this week gave staff a dry run at the six-screen multiplex and gave general manager Matt Bayliss renewed confidence ahead of the opening.

“It’s been a lot of hard work with long days, but the team has worked really hard,” he said.

“The facilities are showing what we hoped it was always going to be.

“Everyone loves the look. They all commented on how sparkly it all was, as well as the bright, neon lights. It’s a real visual experience.

“It’s gone from the outlines of plans on a piece of paper to the building and into what it is now.

“It’s been really good to see people passing through. The restaurants have done really well. It’s nice to see much more atmosphere going on.”

YouGov study released yesterday found the high cost of a cinema trip was the main deterrent for those staying at home.

Thirty per cent of those staying away put it down to the rise of on-demand home cinema but 46 per cent putting it down to cost.

“We have still got the offer of that experience with the size of our screens and the sound, which aren’t something you can experience at home,” said Matt.

“On-demand cinema at home is great, but if you are watching something weeks after people you know, there is always the threat of them telling you what happens.

“Pricing-wise, we are competitive with other chains.”

Eighteen new jobs have been created by Prezzo, which now boasts more than 200 outlets.

The restaurant, which will be managed by Jan Kohar, cost £700,000 to develop.

Its contemporary design has seating for 166 guests: 134 in the main dining area and 32 in an outside dining area.

It will compete with Ask Italian for those customers after pizza and pasta, but staff have no concerns about the contest.

A spokesman said: “Prezzo has every confidence that its restaurant will be a success.

“Healthy competition with Ask Italian is a good thing and the main winners are the public themselves who will have a great choice of restaurants at Regent Circus.”