City centre cinema remains shut

The complex is on the banks of the River Taff

Film-lovers in Cardiff are still waiting for a massive cinema complex at the heart of a £25m leisure complex to open its doors.

The South African Ster Century cinema group has yet to open its new 14-screen facility at the new Millennium Plaza in the city centre.

We are not in a position to comment on when the cinema might open

Selwyn Grimsley, Ster Century

The cinema was originally scheduled for launch in the summer of 2001.

But the argument between the owner and the property developers behind the Millennium Plaza, meant it never opened.

In a statement, Ster Century's Selwyn Grimsley said the company was "in sensitive negotiations with the landlord and have been for some time".

"Until such time as those discussions are satisfactorily resolved, we are not in a position to comment on when the cinema might open."

Mr Grimsley added that negotiations were being carried out away from the media.

Although no-one would go into the details about the discussions, it is known they relate to the conditions of Ster Century's lease.

Property developers Delancey Estates would not comment on the matter.

Plans to build the Millennium Plaza complex on the banks of the River Taff were announced in July 1999.

The site, next to the Millennium Stadium, also houses the Jongleurs comedy club, Pura coffee house and bars including Jumping Jacks, Surfers at Walkabout and Bar Risa.

Ster cinema has five other cinemas in the UK, in Basingstoke, Edinburgh, Leeds, Norwich and Romford, and one in Dublin.