THE firm behind the £270m ‘snoasis’ plan for Swindon says talks are under way about when work can start.

Development was due to start this spring but Seven Capital was unable to raise the funding needed.

But now a spokesman for the firm says things are moving again.

He said: “Talks on moving the project forward have started and are positive.”

“There’s nothing we can say for definite at the moment, but we hope to have some positive news in the next month or two.”

The company was given permission in late 2018 for the complex which would see two huge indoor ski and snowboarding slopes built on the cleared site opposite the Oasis leisure centre.

At the time, the company said it hoped to have workers on the ground in spring 2019.

Seven Capital said at least part of the problem was caused by uncertainty over Brexit, and at the start of the year it was revealed the company still needed to £80m of its £270m budget.

Towards the end of last year it said it was hoping to start work during the spring or early summer.

As well as the two ski slopes, the complex will have a 12-screen cinema, run by Empire – including the largest IMAX screen in Europe. There will be a bowling alley and a trampoline park.

Fast-food giant KFC has signed up to occupy one of the catering units and outdoor clothing and equipment specialist Ellis Brigham one of the shops.

The development is at the heart of Swindon Borough Council’s regeneration plans for the area and the town centre – it has given Seven Capital an extension on the deadline for getting work started.

The council’s local plan allocates some land in the area for scores of houses.

Seven Capital is better known as a builder of upmarket apartment blocks – but cabinet member Dale Heenan has assured councillors no houses will be built on site until the snow centre is open.