POLITICIANS and sports-lovers have welcomed the prospect of Swindon’s “Snoasis” creeping one step closer to completion.

SevenCapital, the firm behind the £270m scheme, said they had already found businesses prepared to take on half of the massive 500,000 sq ft North Star Avenue site.

But not everyone is happy, with readers suggesting effort could be better focussed on improving the town centre instead.

Developers want to build a snowdome, trampoline park and 14-screen cinema on the site, together with shops, restaurants and cafés.

An application for planning permission was lodged with Swindon Borough Council planners in February. Outline planning permission has already been granted.

SevenCapital said the confirmed tenants for the proposed North Star site include ten pin bowling company Hollywood Bowl, outdoors shop Ellis Brigham, a 180,000 sq ft Snowcentre and a 13-screen Empire cinema, which will also boast Europe’s largest IMAX screen. Their backing is subject to the site winning planning approval.

John Watkins, director at SevenCapital, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to confirm such high-profile tenants for the North Star Village whilst we’re still in approval stages. This pays testament to the appetite for this fantastic scheme and our vision for it – to create a first-class regional leisure destination that will cement Swindon firmly on the map.”

Councillors supported the development.

Oliver Donachie, cabinet member for economic prosperity, said: “These investments show that the wealth-creating private sector has great confidence in Swindon as a place in which to do business. Alongside the already successful Outlet Village and the refurbished Carriage Works, North Star Village confirms our reputation as an economic powerhouse.”

Garry Perkins, cabinet member for the town centre, added: “This vindicates the Cabinet’s resolve in working with the private sector to bring North Star Village to light. Had we listened to the usual naysayers, we would be talking about tenders, not tenants.”

Speaking in Eldene yesterday, Lewis Cannon, 23, of Park North, backed the snowdome plans: “I think it’s really cool. In the summer you could still do winter sports.”

Reader Daniel Adams added: “With 50 per cent pre-let already I really cannot see any reason why this won’t go ahead now. Brilliant news. Get it built.”

Others were less enthusiastic. Jim Roberts, 73, from Liden, asked: “Why do we need a new snowdome there when a lot of things in the town centre need sorting out.”

Reader Ian Lawrence added: “How many years have we been hearing this? Plans drawn up, planning approved, developer goes bust.”

The Swindon Advertiser yesterday asked SevenCapital when they hoped to get planning approval for the first stage of the scheme and how many additional retail units were planned for the remaining 250,000 sq ft. However, the firm had not responded to requests for comment by the time the Adver went to press.