The boss of a Swindon restaurant has reacted positively to the news that the former Empire cinema is set to be brought back to life.

Fiesta De Cuba is two doors down from the Greenbridge Retail Park cinema which was under the Empire banner until July when it was announced that the company was collapsing.

In the months following speculation arose about whether another cinema chain would take on the building and a notice appeared this week revealing Vue was to take on the site.

Swindon Advertiser: The former Empire Cinema in Greenbridge Retail & Leisure Park.The former Empire Cinema in Greenbridge Retail & Leisure Park. (Image: Dave Cox)

An application notice for the granting of a premises licence for Vue Cinemas suggests the company is looking to add Swindon to its portfolio of over 90 cinemas around the UK.

Reacting to the news, Fiesta De Cuba’s general manager Luke Jacobs was delighted that the cinema will open once again under the new banner.

“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.”

READ MORE: Fiesta De Cuba Swindon reacts after Empire Cinema shuts

Swindon Advertiser: Fiesta De Cuba has experienced a slight drop in customers since the cinema's closure.Fiesta De Cuba has experienced a slight drop in customers since the cinema's closure. (Image: Espinosa Studios)

The restaurant, which serves South American dishes and drinks from fajitas to enchiladas. has experienced a decline in customers since Empire departed Greenbridge over three months ago.

“We have noticed a slight drop off in the months without the cinema but we have opened up a few other avenues to keep us busy,” added the general manager.

“September and October are quite notoriously quiet months anyway in hospitality so we always knew we would get a bit quieter but we have felt it a little bit.”

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Swindon Advertiser: The restaurant is located just two doors down from the cinema at Greenbridge. The restaurant is located just two doors down from the cinema at Greenbridge. (Image: Espinosa Studios)

Vue will be joined by Hollywood Bowl which also plans to move into the Greenbridge location with lanes set to open in spring next year.

Fiesta De Cuba’s general manager remains confident that both new businesses will help the whole area and not just his restaurant.

“I think the bowling place will also bring people in tenfold as something like that will be largely beneficial to everybody in the area,” said Luke.

“Hopefully this side of Swindon will keep on growing with the cinema and the bowling place so it’s exciting news.”